By: Bernal H.B. No. 5197
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain limitations on private primary or secondary
schools receiving state money.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Education Code, is amended by adding
Section 1.0025 to read as follows:
Sec. 1.0025. LIMITATIONS ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS RECEIVING STATE
MONEY. (a) In this section, "private school" has the meaning
assigned by Section 5.001.
(b) This section applies to:
(1) a private school that receives state money under
an education savings account program or similar program established
under a provision of this code through which a child may use state
money for nonpublic primary or secondary education, regardless of
when that program is established; and
(2) a private school belonging to the same network of
schools as a private school described by Subdivision (1).
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, a private school to which
this section applies may not compensate any individual who is not
directly related to the teaching of or caring for students enrolled
at the school or administering the school's academic programs.
This prohibition on compensation includes an individual who made a
financial investment directly or indirectly to the private school.
(d) The Texas Education Agency shall adopt rules to provide
for sanctions for a private school found to be not in compliance
with this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.