Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB569

Filed
12/12/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/10/25  
Voted on by Senate
3/13/25  
Out of House Committee
4/15/25  
Voted on by House
4/17/25  
Governor Action
5/6/25  

Caption

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The implementation of SB569 would result in significant alterations to the Education Code, modifying aspects related to average daily attendance calculations and the provision for virtual education. By repealing Chapter 30A and integrating new provisions under Chapter 30B, the bill aims to streamline the process of offering electronic courses through a regulated hybrid and virtual education framework. These changes are expected to clarify funding mechanisms for these educational formats, potentially impacting school district budgets and resource allocations.

Summary

SB569 aims to enhance the provision of virtual education in public schools and empower the commissioner of education with the authority to waive and modify attendance-related calculations during emergencies. This legislation explicitly introduces a framework for hybrid and virtual campuses, offering educational institutions greater flexibility in how they deliver instruction. Notably, it establishes guidelines for the funding of these programs, ensuring that school districts can maintain their financial entitlements while transitioning to or maintaining virtual education setups.

Sentiment

Overall, sentiment surrounding SB569 appears mixed among educational bodies and legislators. Proponents argue that the bill offers necessary modernization in response to increasing demand for flexible learning options, particularly highlighted during recent global events prompting emergency shifts to online learning. However, critics raise concerns regarding the adequacy of virtual instruction compared to traditional classroom settings and the implications for student engagement and success in less structured learning environments.

Contention

Key points of contention between supporters and detractors of SB569 center around issues of accountability for virtual and hybrid instruction providers, as well as the quality of educational outcomes in such settings. Opponents are particularly cautious about the shift towards virtual education potentially leading to diminished oversight and support for students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The ongoing debate reflects broader discussions about the future of education and how best to integrate technology into learning while ensuring equitable access and quality.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: 081
    • Section: 081
    • Section: 909
    • Section: 081
    • Section: 909
    • Section: 081
    • Section: 081
    • Section: 081
  • Chapter 30. State And Regional Programs And Services
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
    • Section: 0031
    • Section: 0031
    • Section: 0031
    • Section: 0031
    • Section: 0031
  • Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 104
    • Section: 111
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 104
    • Section: 111
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 104
    • Section: 111
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 104
    • Section: 111
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 104
    • Section: 111
  • Chapter 18. Job Corps Diploma Programs
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB2196

Identical Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2196

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB31

Relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

Similar Bills

TX HB2196

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1455

Relating to the state virtual school network; changing a fee.

TX SB27

Relating to the state online learning system; changing a fee.