By: Romero H.B. No. 5374

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the bilingual education allotment under the public school finance system.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Sections 48.105(a) and (b), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) For each student in average daily attendance in a bilingual education or special language program under Subchapter B, Chapter 29, a district is entitled to an annual allotment equal to the basic allotment multiplied by:

(1) for an emergent bilingual student, as defined by Section 29.052:

(A) 0.15 [0.1]; or

(B) 0.25 [0.15] if the student is in a bilingual education program using a dual language immersion[/one-way or two-way program] model; and

(2) for a student not described by Subdivision (1), 0.05 if the student is in a bilingual education program using a dual language immersion[/two-way program] model.

(b) At least 60 [55] percent of the funds allocated under this section must be used in providing bilingual education or special language programs under Subchapter B, Chapter 29. A district's bilingual education or special language allocation may be used only for:

(1) program and student evaluation;[,]

(2) supplementary instructional materials and equipment;[,]

(3) staff development and bilingual educator training;[,]

(4) supplemental staff expenses, excluding base salaries;[,]

(5) salary supplements for bilingual-certified teachers, excluding base salaries;[,]

(6) incremental costs associated with providing smaller class sizes, including salaries for educational aides serving emergent bilingual students;[,]

(7) recruitment, preparation, and retention incentives for bilingual educators;[,] and

(8) other supplies and expenses directly required for quality instruction.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.