85R13284 MK-D
By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2123
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a pilot program to allow high schools in
certain counties to connect to high-speed fiber-optic networks.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 7, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 7.068 to read as follows:
Sec. 7.068. PILOT PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL FIBER-OPTIC
CONNECTIONS. Using funds appropriated or otherwise available for
that purpose, the commissioner shall create and administer a pilot
program to enable at least 14 high schools in counties that border
the Gulf of Mexico or that are located on an international border to
build infrastructure to connect to existing high-speed fiber-optic
networks. The commissioner may enter into contracts or agreements
with public or private institutions of higher education or public
or private entities as necessary to allow for the implementation of
the pilot program.
SECTION 2. As soon as possible after the effective date of
this Act, the commissioner of education shall create the pilot
program under Section 7.068, Education Code, as added by this Act,
and shall begin entering into contracts or agreements with
appropriate entities to implement the pilot program.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.