Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
6 bills that modify the Education Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
SB 532 - Mental health services information to higher education students
SB 544 - Temporary teaching certificate for instructors for the Community College of the Air Force
SB 763 - Allowing public school to employ or accept as volunteers chaplains
SBSB 798 - Certification requirements for public school counselors
SB 999 - Providers for active shooter training at public schools must be certified
SB 1517 - Prohibiting academic boycotts of foreign countries by public institutions of higher education
6 bills that modify the Education Code
Published: 2025-01-16
SB 532
Mental health services information to higher education students
This section has been modified to require information that is being provided regarding mental health services to include a campus map identifying locations for the services and information regarding how they may be accessed. Any tours must include at least 1 of the available mental health services locations.
Mental health professionals may be eligible for assistance in repayment by applying to the board; providing mental health services to patients in state hospitals or community-based mental healthy services as set out in the Health and Safety Code; and have completed one, two, or three consecutive years of practice in Texas. They may receive the repayment assistance for no more than 3 years, previously it was 5 years. However, previously it was smaller percentages each year, and now it is 33.33 for each year.
There are also loan repayment services for those agreeing to teach mathematics or science for a specific period in a public school in Texas. This assistance may continue for more than 4 years if they continue to teach in a public school for the number of years the board requires. The other rules surrounding this remain substantially the same.
SB 544
Temporary teaching certificate for instructors for the Community College of the Air Force
The Board is tasked with proposing rules that permit a person that holds a bachelor's degree and has at least 2 semesters' experience as a full-time instructor for the Community College of the Air Force to be eligible for a temporary teaching certificate. They need to enroll in educator preparation program. The Board must also propose rules so the person may receive credits for their education, training, and clinical/professional experience as an instructor for the Community College of the Air Force. These certificates will be valid for 1 year.
SB 763
Allowing public school to employ or accept as volunteers chaplains
Chaplains may provide support, services, and programs for students as assigned by the board of trustees, and they are not required to be certified by the State Board for Educator Certification. They must still undergo a criminal history record search. Those required to register as sex offenders are not eligible to work or volunteer at a school.
SB 798
Certification requirements for public school counselors
A requirement for a school counselor may not require classroom teacher experience.
SB 999
Providers for active shooter training at public schools must be certified
Both public schools and institutes of higher education may only hire certified individuals and entities for active shooter training. The Commission on Law Enforcement will provide certification for both entities and individuals.
The commission shall establish a certification program and issue certificates to those meeting the qualifications. The commission will also adopt rules regarding renewal and continuing education requirements.
SB 1517
Prohibiting academic boycotts of foreign countries by public institutions of higher education
An institute of higher education may not implement a boycott of a foreign country that prevents a student or faculty member from researching in or about the country or interacting with the scholars or representatives of the country. They may implement one if the country is on the United States Department of State list of sponsors of terrorism, as long as it doesn't prevent a student from studying or being educated about the country.
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