S.B. No. 569 aims to enhance virtual education in Texas public schools by introducing new provisions for hybrid and virtual courses, including definitions for "full-time hybrid campus" and "full-time virtual campus." The bill establishes guidelines for enrollment in these courses, ensuring that school districts cannot deny requests without valid reasons. It also emphasizes support for vulnerable student populations, such as those who are homeless or in substitute care, by mandating timely record transfers and the development of systems to facilitate their transition into new schools. Additionally, the bill allows the commissioner of education to modify attendance calculations during emergencies to protect school funding and ensures that students in remote or hybrid dropout recovery programs are counted in average daily attendance for funding purposes.

The legislation also outlines the framework for the authorization and operation of full-time hybrid and virtual campuses, requiring school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to meet specific quality standards and performance criteria. It includes provisions for revocation of authorization if performance standards are not met over three consecutive years and mandates that students have the option for in-person instruction unless otherwise required by charter schools. The bill further clarifies funding procedures, allows for tuition charges for certain students, and ensures that teachers are adequately trained before teaching hybrid or virtual courses. Importantly, it introduces virtual education as an alternative to expulsion, requiring schools to consider this option before expelling a student. The changes are set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate implementation possible if passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

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 33, Education Code 48, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 7, Education Code 1, Education Code 37, Education Code 26)
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 33, Education Code 48, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 7, Education Code 1, Education Code 37, Education Code 26)
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 33, Education Code 48, Education Code 29, Education Code 25, Education Code 7, Education Code 1, Education Code 37, Education Code 26)