Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3571

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to rules which insure that local independent school district selection of non-state adopted instructional materials to be purchased with state funds, is as accountable and transparent as the State Board of Education approval process for state-adopted instructional materials.

Impact

If enacted, HB3571 would amend Section 31.003 of the Education Code to introduce specific standards for the local selection of instructional materials. These standards would include requirements for public notice, independent reviews of educational content, and safeguards to correct potential errors. As a result, local districts would be obligated to follow stricter guidelines when selecting instructional materials, potentially leading to a more rigorous evaluation of the resources they use and a higher level of accountability for how state funds are allocated.

Summary

House Bill 3571 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the selection process of non-state adopted instructional materials by local independent school districts when these materials are purchased with state funds. The bill seeks to implement a system of checks comparable to the existing processes overseen by the State Board of Education for state-adopted instructional materials. This move reflects the legislature's intent to ensure that the materials selected align with educational standards and provide value for taxpayer funding.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB3571 include concerns about the balance of local control versus state oversight in educational matters. While proponents argue that the bill will bolster accountability and ensure quality in educational resources, critics may view it as an overreach by the state government that imposes additional layers of bureaucracy on local districts. This tension between maintaining local autonomy in educational decision-making and ensuring state-level standards is expected to be a key feature of discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

TX SB1711

Very Similar Relating to rules which insure that local independent school district selection of non-state adopted instructional materials to be purchased with state funds, is as accountable and transparent as the State Board of Education approval process for state-adopted instruction materials.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1804

Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX SB2089

Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX HB3512

Relating to general content standards for instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4097

Relating to the acceptable uses of the instructional materials and technology fund and the review of certain instructional materials by the State Board of Education.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB4813

Relating to the approval of purchases under the supplemental special education services and instructional materials program by a public school student's admission, review, and dismissal committee.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.