87R11971 MLH-D
By: West S.B. No. 1799
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a broadband Internet connectivity and
broadband access grant program to facilitate instruction and
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. BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM
Sec. 32.321. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. (a) The agency
shall establish a broadband Internet access grant program to
provide grants to school districts for the purpose of incentivizing
districts to develop unique or inventive methods for increasing
broadband Internet access to facilitate instruction and learning
for district students.
(b) A school district may apply to the commissioner to
participate in the grant program. The commissioner shall develop
eligibility criteria for school districts to receive grants under
the program.
(c) The commissioner may determine the terms of a grant
awarded under this section, including limits on the amount of a
grant and the approved uses of grant funds.
Sec. 32.322. FUNDING. (a) The commissioner shall use funds
appropriated or other funds available for the purpose of the grant
program authorized under this subchapter.
(b) The commissioner may solicit and accept gifts, grants,
and donations from any public or private source, including the
federal government.
Sec. 32.323. RULES. The commissioner may adopt rules as
necessary to implement this subchapter.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022
school year.
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, 2021.