TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1861

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1861

Filed
3/8/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/11/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/18/23  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The implications of SB1861 are multi-faceted, as it seeks to provide flexibility in how school districts can accommodate students during emergencies, such as natural disasters or public health crises. By allowing modifications in attendance calculations, the bill is designed to ensure that school districts can preserve their funding entitlement even when conventional attendance might be disrupted. As a result, this could lead to improved access to educational resources and continuity of learning through virtual platforms during critical situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1861, introduced by Senator Bettencourt, focuses on enhancing the provision of virtual education in public schools by allowing for certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education. The bill aims to establish a unified policy framework that aligns with bipartisan recommendations from a recent commission. A significant aspect of the legislation is its provisions concerning the calculation of average daily attendance during times of emergency or crisis, which is critical for maintaining school district funding under the Foundation School Program.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB1861 appears mostly supportive among legislators advocating for improved virtual education frameworks. However, there are also concerns regarding the absence of objective criteria for authorizing virtual public schools, implying a need for due process protections to be in place for school districts. This perspective suggests a potential contention point concerning the governance and oversight of virtual education offerings, posed by both support and opposition from different stakeholders in the education sector.

Contention

Notably, there is a point of contention regarding the implementation of this policy. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of objective criteria and due process for authorizing virtual schools, arguing that it may undermine the quality and accountability of virtual education options available to students. The debate may lead to further amendments or stipulations being required to ensure that the bill aligns with the needs of public schools while supporting virtual learning initiatives.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 104
    • Section: 111
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 30. State And Regional Programs And Services
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
    • Section: 009
  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
    • Section: 0031

Latest TX SB1861 Activity

View All Events: TX 2023 - 88th Regular SB1861

Companion Bills

TX HB681

Similar Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3141

Same As Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB569

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2196

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB2442

Relating to the minutes of operation required for public school districts, charter schools, and other education programs and to calculating the average daily attendance for certain education programs.

TX SB1660

Relating to the minutes of operation required for public school districts, charter schools, and other education programs and to calculating the average daily attendance for certain education programs.

TX SB2084

Relating to calculation of average daily attendance for public school students in blended learning programs.

TX SB1298

Relating to the provision of electronic courses in public schools, the state virtual school network, and school district digital capabilities.

Similar Bills

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB569

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2196

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1455

Relating to the state virtual school network; changing a fee.

TX SB27

Relating to the state online learning system; changing a fee.