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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to educational options to deal with the impact of |
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statewide school disruptions. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding |
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Section 29.926 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 29.926. PROGRAM TO OVERCOME SCHOOL DISRUPTIONS. (a) |
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From funds appropriated or available for purposes of this section, |
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the commissioner shall establish programs to assist students in |
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overcoming the educational impact of disasters on the state of |
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Texas. The programs may include, but are not limited to: |
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(1) extended instructional time; |
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(2) broadband grants to ensure student access to |
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instruction from home; |
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(3) innovation in curriculum and instruction; |
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(4) improvement of the quality of air and water at |
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school facilities; and |
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(5) accelerated learning. |
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(b) The commissioner may determine the terms of access to |
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programs under this section, including limits on the amount and |
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approved uses of funds. |
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(c) The agency may administer the programs or contract with |
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another entity to administer the programs. |
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(d) The commissioner may recover funds not used in |
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accordance with the terms of the program. |
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(e) The commissioner may seek grants and donations from |
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public and private sources, including the federal government, for |
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programs under this section. |
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(f) A decision by the commissioner under this section is |
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final and may not be appealed. |
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(g) The commissioner may adopt rules to implement the |
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provisions of this section. |
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SECTION 2. 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, 2021. |