The bill, H.B. No. 172, proposes the establishment of a fine arts allotment within the public school finance system in Texas. It introduces a new section, 48.116, to the Education Code, which stipulates that for each student in average daily attendance enrolled in an approved fine arts education course in grades 6 through 12, school districts will receive an annual allotment. This allotment is calculated as a percentage of the basic allotment, specifically 0.008 times the basic allotment or the sum of the basic allotment and any applicable allotments under Section 48.101.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Texas Education Agency will approve fine arts courses that qualify for this allotment, which must include subjects such as music, art, theater, and dance. These courses are required to provide students with essential knowledge and skills for success in the fine arts and must ensure that full-time students receive at least 225 minutes of instruction per week. The agency is also tasked with publishing an annual list of the approved fine arts courses. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()