MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Education was held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Larry Taylor, Chair	Senator Paul Bettencourt
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Vice Chair
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Sylvia Garcia
Senator Don Huffines
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator José Rodríguez
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Van Taylor
Senator Royce West

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:07 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out the interim charge to evaluate digital learning opportunities in classrooms and examine existing barriers to schools' ability to provide a digital learning environment. In particular, study the availability of affordable broadband access to school districts across Texas. Examine different options for improving access to broadband service in all areas of the state, for districts and student homes. Make recommendations on a statewide plan for building the necessary infrastructure to provide a competitive, free-market environment in broadband service.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair laid out the interim charge to monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: legislation to establish criteria for alternative measures of assessments to meet high school graduation requirements.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

Senator West assumed the chair.

Senator Larry Taylor resumed the chair.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:28 PM Senator Larry Taylor moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Larry Taylor, Chair

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Nicole Sunstrum, Clerk