By: Huffines S.B. No. 1178
(In the Senate - Filed March 10, 2015; March 17, 2015, read
first time and referred to Committee on Education; May 5, 2015,
reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the
following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 3; May 5, 2015, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1178 By: Huffines
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an interim study on an education savings account
program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "agency" means the Texas
Education Agency.
(b) The agency shall conduct an interim study regarding the
implementation of an education savings account program. The study
must evaluate:
(1) best practices in implementing an education
savings account program;
(2) the experiences of other states that have
implemented similar programs;
(3) the populations that might be served by the
program;
(4) potential student eligibility guidelines for
participation in the program;
(5) potential guidelines for the voluntary
participation of private schools in the program;
(6) methods of funding for the program;
(7) which expenses to include as qualified educational
expenses under the program;
(8) whether to preapprove certain vendors for
participation in the program;
(9) potential academic and financial accountability
measures for the program; and
(10) methods of contracting between the state and one
or more financial institutions for the provision and maintenance of
the accounts.
(c) In conducting the study, the agency shall consult with
stakeholders and national subject matter experts, including
individuals who have assisted in implementing similar programs in
other states.
(d) The agency may accept any gifts, grants, or donations
from any source to conduct the study under this section.
(e) Not later than November 1, 2016, the agency shall submit
a report on the findings of the study to the lieutenant governor,
speaker of the house of representatives, and members of the
legislature. The report must include any recommendations for
implementation of an education savings account program from
individuals who have assisted in implementing similar programs in
other states.
SECTION 2. This Act expires September 1, 2017.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
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