The House Committee on Public Education
88th Legislature
August 12, 2024
9:00 a.m.
E2.010
Pursuant to a notice posted on July 10, 2024, the House Committee on Public Education met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Buckley, at 9:08 a.m.
The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Buckley; Allen; Allison; Cunningham; Harris, Cody; Harrison; Hefner; Hinojosa; King, Ken; Longoria; Schaefer; and Talarico.
A quorum was present.
The Chair made opening remarks.
Representative Hinojosa made opening remarks.
The Committee heard invited testimony from state agencies and advocacy groups on the following interim charges:
Charge #1: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
HB 1605, relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.
Prior to testimony on the monitoring of HB 1605, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Morath updated the committee on the state of public education in Texas.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Dutton, Harold now present.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Charge #1: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
HB 2209, relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Charge #1: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
SB 2124, relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Charge #2: Educational Opportunity: Consider issues and matters to increase educational opportunities in Texas to ensure that students and families have increased options to attend a high-quality school, regardless of circumstance. Evaluate the use of education savings accounts in other states and make recommendations for a Texas program, including suggestions on eligibility and prioritization of applicants.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
The Committee heard public testimony on the following interim charges:
Charge #1: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
HB 1605, relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Charge #1: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
HB 2209, relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Charge #1: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
SB 2124, relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Charge #2: Educational Opportunity: Consider issues and matters to increase educational opportunities in Texas to ensure that students and families have increased options to attend a high-quality school, regardless of circumstance. Evaluate the use of education savings accounts in other states and make recommendations for a Texas program, including suggestions on eligibility and prioritization of applicants.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Allen in chair.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Buckley in chair.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
At 9:32 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.
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Rep. Buckley, Chair
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Jack Reed, Clerk