bill widens certification exam subsidies

The text as introduced · 358 words

89R3336 RDR-F

By: Bhojani
H.B. No. 1061

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to authorization and reimbursement for certain

examination fee and other required cost subsidies paid for public

school teachers and students.

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

SECTION 1. The heading to Section 29.190, Education Code,

is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 29.190. SUBSIDY FOR CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION AND

REQUIRED COSTS .

SECTION 2. Sections 29.190(a-1), (b), and (c), Education

Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a-1) A student may [ not ] receive more than one subsidy

under this section.

(b) A teacher is entitled to a subsidy under this section if

the teacher passes a certification examination related to career

and technology education [ cybersecurity ].

(c) On approval by the commissioner, the agency shall pay

each school district an amount equal to the cost paid by the

district for a certification examination under this section. To

obtain reimbursement for a subsidy paid under this section, a

district must:

(1) pay the fee for the examination and the costs

related to requirements for obtaining the certification ; and

(2) submit to the commissioner a written application

on a form prescribed by the commissioner stating the amount of the

fee paid under Subdivision (1) for the certification examination

and the costs related to requirements for obtaining the

certification .

SECTION 3. Section 48.156, Education Code, is amended to

read as follows:

Sec. 48.156. REIMBURSEMENT FOR CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

AND REQUIRED COSTS [ REIMBURSEMENT ]. A school district is entitled

to reimbursement for the amount of a subsidy paid by the district

for each [ a student's ] certification examination and the costs

related to requirements for obtaining the certification under

Section 29.190(a) as provided by Section 29.190(c).

SECTION 4. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026

school year.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.