Honorable Dan Huberty, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3427 by Shaheen (Relating to the state virtual school network and a study on digital learning.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Education Code to eliminate the authority for a school district or charter school to deny the request of a student to enroll in a Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) course because the district or school offers a substantially similar course and to decline to pay for more than three TxVSN courses per student per school year. The bill would require the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to conduct a study and submit a report to the Legislature by September 1, 2018, with recommendations regarding the effectiveness of digital learning in public schools. Based on the results of the study and the report, the bill would require the Commissioner to establish procedures to increase digital learning by students and participation in the virtual school network; and participation by school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in establishing partnerships with institutions of higher education and other public and private entities.
The agency estimates nominal costs associated with contracting with a vendor for the study and required report. However, this analysis assumes the agency can use existing resources to conduct the study and assist with development of the required report.
Local Government Impact
Districts and charters would incur costs associated with paying the cost of additional TxVSN statewide course catalog courses for students if they are currently declining to pay the cost of certain courses for students. According to TEA, the typical cost of a TxVSN course is $400 per semester course, per student.