87R9677 CXP-F
By: Raymond H.B. No. 3406
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a mobile Internet access hotspot grant
program to provide grants to facilitate distance learning for
public school students.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 32, Education Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter H to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER H. MOBILE INTERNET ACCESS HOTSPOT GRANTS PROGRAM
Sec. 32.321. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. (a) To the extent
funds are available for the purpose, the agency shall establish a
mobile Internet access hotspot grant program to provide grants to
eligible school districts to facilitate distance learning.
(b) The agency shall develop:
(1) a method to prioritize grants to serve the highest
number of low-income students;
(2) eligibility criteria for school districts to
receive grants under the program; and
(3) an annual application process for school districts
to apply to receive grants under the program.
Sec. 32.322. FUNDING. The commissioner:
(1) may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations from any public or private source, person, or group to
implement and administer this subchapter; and
(2) shall maximize the funding by leveraging federal,
state, local, and private money to provide grants under the
program.
Sec. 32.323. USE OF GRANT FUNDS. (a) A school district may
use money received from a grant under this subchapter to facilitate
a mobile Internet access hotspot program that provides hotspot
devices to:
(1) students enrolled in the district; or
(2) the parents or guardians of students enrolled in
the district.
(b) A device provided under a mobile Internet access hotspot
program established under Subsection (a) must:
(1) be portable;
(2) not be subject to a data limitation; and
(3) comply with all applicable state and federal laws
regarding online privacy.
Sec. 32.324. REPORTS TO LEGISLATURE. The agency shall
submit a report to the legislature that includes data and analysis
regarding the efficacy of the program under this subchapter and any
associated recommendations:
(1) not later than December 1, 2023; and
(2) not later than December 1, 2027.
Sec. 32.325. EXPIRATION. This subchapter expires September
1, 2028.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2022-2023
school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.