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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to an interim study on an education savings account |
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program. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "agency" means the Texas |
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Education Agency. |
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(b) The agency shall conduct an interim study regarding the |
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implementation of an education savings account program. The study |
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must evaluate: |
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(1) best practices in implementing an education |
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savings account program; |
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(2) the experiences of other states that have |
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implemented similar programs; |
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(3) the populations that might be served by the |
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program; |
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(4) potential student eligibility guidelines for |
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participation in the program; |
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(5) potential guidelines for the voluntary |
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participation of private schools in the program; |
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(6) methods of funding for the program; |
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(7) which expenses to include as qualified educational |
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expenses under the program; |
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(8) whether to preapprove certain vendors for |
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participation in the program; |
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(9) potential academic and financial accountability |
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measures for the program; and |
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(10) methods of contracting between the state and one |
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or more financial institutions for the provision and maintenance of |
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the accounts. |
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(c) In conducting the study, the agency shall consult with |
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stakeholders and national subject matter experts, including |
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individuals who have assisted in implementing similar programs in |
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other states. |
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(d) The agency may accept any gifts, grants, or donations |
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from any source to conduct the study under this section. |
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(e) Not later than November 1, 2016, the agency shall submit |
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a report on the findings of the study to the lieutenant governor, |
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speaker of the house of representatives, and members of the |
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legislature. The report must include any recommendations for |
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implementation of an education savings account program from |
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individuals who have assisted in implementing similar programs in |
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other states. |
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SECTION 2. This Act expires September 1, 2017. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |
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* * * * * |