S.B. No. 569 seeks to enhance virtual education in public schools by allowing the commissioner of education to adjust attendance calculations during emergencies to safeguard school district funding under the Foundation School Program. The bill introduces new provisions for virtual and hybrid courses, explicitly recognizing them under Chapter 30B of the Education Code. It updates definitions related to educational programs, ensuring students can enroll in these courses without unnecessary barriers, and requires school districts to provide written explanations for any denial of enrollment requests. Key amendments include the removal of references to the state virtual school network and a mandate that districts cannot discourage enrollment in virtual or hybrid courses.

The legislation establishes a framework for the operation of full-time hybrid and virtual campuses, requiring the commissioner to adopt rules for the application process and ensuring high-quality standards are met. It includes provisions for revocation of authorization if performance standards are not met over three years and ensures students have the option for in-person instruction. The bill also addresses funding procedures for attendance verification, allows for tuition charges for certain students, and mandates that teachers receive proper training before teaching hybrid or virtual courses. Additionally, it introduces virtual education as an alternative to expulsion and allows districts to continue offering electronic courses under previous regulations until the end of the 2026-2027 school year. The changes are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with provisions for immediate effect if passed by a two-thirds majority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 1.001, Education Code 7.0561, Education Code 25.007, Education Code 26.0031, Education Code 29.081, Education Code 33.009, Education Code 37.0081, Education Code 48.053, Education Code 48.104, Education Code 48.111 (Education Code 48, Education Code 1, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 33, Education Code 7)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 1.001, Education Code 7.0561, Education Code 25.007, Education Code 26.0031, Education Code 29.081, Education Code 33.009, Education Code 37.0081, Education Code 48.053, Education Code 48.104, Education Code 48.111 (Education Code 48, Education Code 1, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 33, Education Code 7)
Engrossed: Education Code 1.001, Education Code 7.0561, Education Code 25.007, Education Code 26.0031, Education Code 29.081, Education Code 33.009, Education Code 37.0081, Education Code 48.053, Education Code 48.104, Education Code 48.111 (Education Code 48, Education Code 1, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 33, Education Code 7)
House Committee Report: Education Code 1.001, Education Code 7.0561, Education Code 25.007, Education Code 26.0031, Education Code 29.081, Education Code 33.009, Education Code 37.0081, Education Code 48.053, Education Code 48.104, Education Code 48.111 (Education Code 48, Education Code 1, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 33, Education Code 7)
Enrolled: Education Code 1.001, Education Code 7.0561, Education Code 25.007, Education Code 26.0031, Education Code 29.081, Education Code 33.009, Education Code 37.0081, Education Code 48.053, Education Code 48.104, Education Code 48.111 (Education Code 48, Education Code 1, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 33, Education Code 7)