S.B. No. 2185 amends the Education Code to enhance the bilingual education allotment within Texas's public school finance system. The bill introduces new provisions that allow the agency to require school districts granted exceptions to include additional information in their Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) reports regarding alternative language education methods. It also mandates that the agency review and approve school districts offering these methods to receive a biennial allotment, capped at $10 million, while ensuring a diverse representation of eligible districts across the state.

Additionally, the bill specifies the funding structure for districts with students enrolled in approved alternative language education methods, establishing different allotment rates based on student classifications. It also modifies the use of allocated funds, allowing them to cover teacher salaries instead of just salary supplements, while maintaining that at least 55 percent of the funds must be dedicated to bilingual education or special language programs. The provisions of this act are 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)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 29.054, Education Code 48.105 (Education Code 48, Education Code 29)
Engrossed: 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)
Enrolled: Education Code 29.054, Education Code 48.105 (Education Code 48, Education Code 29)