What You Need to Know About Education Bills in Texas Legislature 2023
The Texas Legislature is set to convene on January 10, 2023, and with it comes a slew of education bills that could have a significant impact on the state’s school system. As a concerned citizen, it’s essential to understand these bills and their potential implications. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the critical education bills that will be discussed during the upcoming legislative session.
House Bill 3: School Finance Reform
House Bill 3, passed in 2019, was a landmark legislation that aimed to overhaul Texas’ school finance system. The bill provided more funding for public schools, raised teachers’ salaries, and increased funding for programs aimed at helping disadvantaged students. The upcoming legislative session will focus on refining and improving this legislation.
One of the key amendments being discussed for House Bill 3 is increasing the basic allotment by $100 per student, which would mean more funding for school districts. Another proposed amendment is to adjust the weights for compensatory education, which provides extra funding for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, to make the funding formula more equitable.
Senate Bill 11: Mental Health Resources for Students
Senate Bill 11, passed in 2019, requires school districts to implement a mental health program aimed at addressing the mental health needs of their students. The program should include training for teachers and staff, as well as counseling services for students.
The upcoming session will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the implementation of this legislation and, if necessary, making adjustments. One proposed amendment is to increase funding for mental health services in schools, as some districts are struggling to afford the necessary resources.
House Bill 6: Learning Loss Mitigation
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant learning loss for many students across the state. House Bill 6 aims to address this issue by providing extra funding for school districts to create and implement targeted interventions for students who have fallen behind.
This bill proposes the creation of a new agency, the Texas Learning Loss Mitigation Council, tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to mitigate the damage caused by the pandemic on students’ academic progress. The plan would include providing students with opportunities for additional instruction, access to tutoring, and facilitating access to digital and instructional materials.
Conclusion
The upcoming legislative session will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Texas education system. With these three bills being at the forefront of the education conversation, it’s incredibly important to understand their implications and stay informed. House Bill 3 aims to refine and improve the school finance system, Senate Bill 11 looks to improve mental health resources for students, and House Bill 6 addresses the learning loss caused by the pandemic. With these bills in mind, let’s stay engaged, informed, and work towards building a better future for our students.
