By: Bonnen H.B. No. 4458
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to educational options to deal with the impact of
statewide school disruptions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding
Section 29.926 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.926. PROGRAM TO OVERCOME SCHOOL DISRUPTIONS. (a)
From funds appropriated or available for purposes of this section,
the commissioner shall establish programs to assist students in
overcoming the educational impact of disasters on the state of
Texas. The programs may include, but are not limited to:
(1) extended instructional time;
(2) broadband grants to ensure student access to
instruction from home;
(3) innovation in curriculum and instruction;
(4) improvement of the quality of air and water at
school facilities; and
(5) accelerated learning.
(b) The commissioner may determine the terms of access to
programs under this section, including limits on the amount and
approved uses of funds.
(c) The agency may administer the programs or contract with
another entity to administer the programs.
(d) The commissioner may recover funds not used in
accordance with the terms of the program.
(e) The commissioner may seek grants and donations from
public and private sources, including the federal government, for
programs under this section.
(f) A decision by the commissioner under this section is
final and may not be appealed.
(g) The commissioner may adopt rules to implement the
provisions of this section.
SECTION 2. 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, 2021.