By: González of El Paso H.B. No. 2871
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a program at the University of
Texas at Austin to promote computer science education capacity in
public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 67, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 67.04 to read as follows:
Sec. 67.04. COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION CAPACITY PROMOTION
PROGRAM. (a) Using appropriated funds, the University of Texas at
Austin shall design, develop and implement a program connecting
local education agencies and institution of higher education with
evidence-based and accredited computer science professional
development resources provided by institutions of higher
education, nonprofit organizations, or other accredited providers.
(b) The program shall direct particular focus on public
school campuses that lack a certified computer science educator as
well as other underserved geographic locations and demographic
communities.
(c) Program funds may be used:
(1) to recruit new educators to the field of computer
science education by providing continued professional development
for existing and aspiring educators and certification stipends for
newly certified educators; and
(2) to provide stipends to educators who gain new
skills through professional development or successfully achieve an
accredited or evidence-based computer science education
certification.
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, 2023.