H.B. No. 2354 aims to amend various sections of the Education Code concerning charter schools in Texas, specifically addressing their admission, enrollment, and employment policies. The bill introduces new classes of charters, including college or university charters and adult education program charters, while removing the previous mention of "or" in the list of charter types. It also expands the definition of open-enrollment charter schools, recognizing them as local governments and political subdivisions for various legal purposes. Additionally, the bill modifies the admission and enrollment process, allowing for a weighted lottery system that can prioritize applicants based on specific criteria, such as eligibility for special education programs or being educationally disadvantaged.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that open-enrollment charter schools must publicly disclose their admission and enrollment policies, including the methods used to fill available positions. It also clarifies that individuals employed as principals or teachers must hold a baccalaureate degree, with an exception for noncore academic career and technical education courses under certain conditions. The changes outlined in this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.002, Education Code 12.1058, Education Code 12.111, Education Code 12.117, Education Code 12.119, Education Code 12.129 (Education Code 12)