H.B. No. 2196 seeks to improve virtual education in public schools by allowing the commissioner of education to modify attendance calculations during emergencies, ensuring school districts retain funding under the Foundation School Program. The bill introduces new provisions for virtual and hybrid courses, replacing previous references to electronic courses and the state virtual school network. It emphasizes local control and parental involvement while providing necessary support for students in transition, such as those who are homeless or in substitute care. Key amendments include the establishment of Chapter 30B, which defines full-time hybrid and virtual campuses, and mandates that school districts inform parents and students about enrollment options in these courses.

The legislation also outlines the operational framework for hybrid and virtual campuses, including quality requirements and funding mechanisms that ensure equitable support for these educational pathways. It specifies that students in remote or hybrid dropout recovery programs will be counted in average daily attendance calculations, similar to those in full-time programs. The bill repeals Chapter 30A of the Education Code, allowing districts to continue offering electronic courses until the end of the 2026-2027 school year, and establishes an expedited authorization process for new campuses. The changes are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate implementation possible 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 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 48, Education Code 1, Education Code 25, Education Code 29, 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 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 48, Education Code 1, Education Code 25, Education Code 29, Education Code 33, Education Code 7)