88R16332 ANG-D
By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 4756
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of community-based learning centers
to serve public school students.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.915 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.915. COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING CENTERS. (a) In
this section, "center" means a community-based learning center
established under Subsection (b).
(b) The agency shall establish, in collaboration with
faith-based nonprofit organizations, a program for the development
and operation of community-based learning centers in various school
districts to provide students who qualify for compensatory
education, as determined by the commissioner, with access to:
(1) technology;
(2) tutoring services;
(3) mentoring services;
(4) social and emotional support;
(5) outdoor activities;
(6) art;
(7) sports; and
(8) individually designed services and supports that
may include treatment services, personal support services, or any
other support necessary to improve academic and social outcomes for
a student, as determined by a center.
(c) The agency shall adopt minimum training and skills
requirements that each individual providing services through the
center must satisfy.
(d) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the agency
shall pay the costs for developing and operating a center. The
agency shall actively seek federal grants or funds to pay costs
associated with the establishment and operation of each center.
(e) The agency by rule shall establish a procedure for
distributing funds to a school district or other appropriate entity
approved by the agency to establish and operate or contract for the
operation of a center.
(f) In addition to money appropriated by the legislature,
the agency may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source
for establishing the program.
(g) The agency may adopt rules as necessary to implement
this section, including rules regarding an application process and
eligibility criteria to develop and operate a center.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.