TX
Texas House Bill HB8

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Texas House Bill HB8

Filed
8/15/25  
Out of House Committee
8/23/25  
Voted on by House
8/26/25  
Out of Senate Committee
8/27/25  
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to public school accountability and transparency, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement, public school performance ratings, and interventions and sanctions under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

Impact

The implementation of HB8 could significantly modify existing state education laws, especially concerning assessment protocols. It seeks to ensure that school districts provide parents with easy access to assessment results and to offer insights into their child's educational progress. This bill is expected to affect regulations surrounding how performance ratings are assigned and the accountability measures schools must adhere to. Moreover, the proposed changes are set to begin implementation in the 2025-2026 school year, transitioning from the current State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) program to the new instructionally supportive assessment program by the 2027-2028 school year.

Summary

House Bill 8 (HB8) focuses on enhancing public school accountability and transparency within the Texas education system. It aims to establish an instructionally supportive assessment program designed to provide clearer indicators of student achievement and public school performance ratings. The bill emphasizes the need for effective interventions and sanctions to be employed under the public school accountability system, while also facilitating a grant program for local accountability plans developed by school districts. By shifting to this program, HB8 intends to create more accessible assessment instruments that better align with educational standards and requirements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB8 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, particularly within educational administration circles. Proponents argue that the bill will enhance transparency and provide actionable data to improve educational outcomes for students. However, there are concerns related to potential over-regulation and the capacity of smaller school districts to meet new requirements, suggesting a divergence of opinion among educational stakeholders. Critics express trepidation regarding how effectively the bill will address individual student needs and whether it might impose undue burdens on schools with fewer resources.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the effectiveness of the proposed instructionally supportive assessment program and the extent of state oversight necessitated by the changes. Some educators worry that an increased emphasis on standardized assessments may inadvertently lead to teaching to the test, undermining broader educational goals. Questions have also been raised about how the accountability measures will impact funding and resources for districts, particularly those with historically low performance ratings. The debate continues as stakeholders assess the balance between accountability and educational integrity offered by HB8.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 7. State Organization
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 022
    • Section: 023
    • Section: 0263
    • Section: 031
    • Section: 035
    • Section: 029
    • Section: 032
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 022
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 022
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
    • Section: 0812
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Government Code

  • Chapter 2308. Workforce Investment Act
    • Section: New Section

Labor Code

  • Chapter 312. Industry-based Certification Advisory Council
    • Section: New Section

Latest TX HB8 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S. HB8

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB8

Relating to public school accountability and transparency, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement, public school performance ratings, and interventions and sanctions under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

TX HB8

Relating to public school accountability and transparency, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement, public school performance ratings, and interventions and sanctions under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

TX SB1962

Relating to public school accountability, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement and public school performance ratings under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

TX HB4

Relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability and actions, and proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.

TX HB3796

Relating to public school accountability, including the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, the assignment of public school campus performance ratings, and the creation of the Texas Commission on Public School Assessment and Accountability.

TX HB134

Relating to public school accountability, including reducing state required accountability exams to the minimum required by federal law and replacing current state required assessments with instructionally supportive assessments.

TX HB2661

Relating to eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

TX HB2866

Relating to public school accountability and actions and other proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.

TX HB1114

Relating to indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

TX HB535

Relating to indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

Similar Bills

TX SB8

Relating to public school accountability and transparency, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement, public school performance ratings, and interventions and sanctions under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

TX HB8

Relating to public school accountability and transparency, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement, public school performance ratings, and interventions and sanctions under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

TX SB9

Relating to public school accountability and transparency, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement, public school performance ratings, and interventions and sanctions under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

TX HB247

Relating to the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools.

TX HB4

Relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability and actions, and proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.

TX SB1962

Relating to public school accountability, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement and public school performance ratings under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.

TX HB102

Relating to public school accountability, including reducing state required accountability exams to the minimum required by federal law and replacing current state required assessments with instructionally supportive assessments.

TX HB134

Relating to public school accountability, including reducing state required accountability exams to the minimum required by federal law and replacing current state required assessments with instructionally supportive assessments.