The bill amends the Education Code to enhance the bilingual education allotment within the public school finance system. It introduces new requirements for school districts that receive exceptions under Section 29.054, allowing the agency to mandate additional reporting on alternative language education methods used by these districts. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection (e) to Section 29.054, which requires districts to include specified information in their Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) reports and classify the alternative language education methods accordingly.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 48.105 by adding new subsections (a-1) and (a-2) and amending subsection (b). It establishes a review process for school districts offering approved alternative language education methods, allowing for a total allotment of up to $10 million biennially. The bill specifies that districts will receive an annual allotment based on the number of students in approved programs, with different rates for emergent bilingual students and others. Furthermore, it mandates that at least 55 percent of the allocated funds be used for bilingual education or special language programs, with a notable change in the use of funds for teacher salaries instead of salary supplements. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.054, Education Code 48.105 (Education Code 48, Education Code 29)
House Committee Report: Education Code 29.054, Education Code 48.105 (Education Code 48, Education Code 29)