TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1087

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1087

Filed
2/22/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/24/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/27/23  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to authorization and reimbursement for certain examination fee subsidies paid for public school teachers and students.

Impact

If enacted, SB 1087 would amend sections of the Education Code in Texas, thereby directly impacting public school funding related to examinations. It aims to relieve financial burdens on students pursuing multiple certifications, thereby encouraging them to earn varied and meaningful credentials. This could result not only in increased participation in CTE programs but also better preparedness for careers among students, aligning educational offerings with industry demands.

Summary

Senate Bill 1087, introduced by Senator Schwertner, aims to expand the existing reimbursement eligibility for examination fees related to industry-based certifications for both public school teachers and students in Texas. The bill proposes allowing high-performing students who earn multiple certifications to receive subsidies for each exam they complete, in contrast to the current law which limits the reimbursement to only one certification per student. Additionally, it addresses reimbursement for CTE (Career and Technology Education) teachers who need certification to teach specific courses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1087 appears to be positive among educational stakeholders. Proponents, including representatives from educational associations, express support by highlighting how the bill would significantly benefit students and teachers involved in CTE programs. They argue that it fosters an educational environment where students are incentivized to acquire several certifications, which are essential for their future job prospects. Testimonies at committee meetings reflected optimism regarding the bill's potential to enhance the overall education system in Texas.

Contention

While SB 1087 has garnered support, discussions also hint at concerns around funding and the capacity of school districts to absorb these changes effectively. There are potential arguments regarding the implications of incentivizing multiple certifications and whether this approach may lead to an oversaturation of students with credentials that might not align with local employment opportunities. Furthermore, stakeholders may analyze how these changes might affect the strain on school resources, particularly in districts that may already face budgetary challenges.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: 190
    • Section: 190
    • Section: 190
    • Section: 190
  • Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB859

Relating to authorization and reimbursement for certain examination fee subsidies paid for public school teachers and students.

TX HB4407

Relating to authorization and reimbursement for certain examination fee and other required cost subsidies paid for public school teachers and students.

TX HB1061

Relating to authorization and reimbursement for certain examination fee and other required cost subsidies paid for public school teachers and students.

TX SB794

Relating to authorizing certain examination fee subsidies for public school teachers who provide instruction in career and technology education courses.

TX HB1840

Schools; requiring reimbursement of competency examination fee or payment for certain teacher candidates; effective date.

TX SB1095

Relating to notice regarding the availability to public school students of college credit and work-based education programs and subsidies for fees paid to take certain advanced placement tests.

TX HB5175

Relating to the employment of classroom teachers in public schools and the waiver or payment of certain educator examination and certification fees.

TX HB120

Relating to college, career, and military readiness in public schools, including career and technology education programs, the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, funding for those programs under the Foundation School Program, and workforce reporting to support those programs, to the public school accountability system, and to the new instructional facility allotment and the permissible uses of funding under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1936

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who pass certain examination; requiring allocation of funds for certain stipends; effective date; emergency.

TX HB1936

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who pass certain examination; requiring allocation of funds for certain stipends; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.