S.B. No. 2928 amends the Texas Education Code to modify the scheduling of the first day of school for students by allowing school districts designated as "districts of innovation" to begin instruction on or after the third Wednesday in August. This change is significant as it provides more flexibility for these districts in planning their academic calendars. The bill also updates the requirements for local innovation plans, which must now include accountability and assessment measures that exceed state and federal law, while identifying any code requirements that inhibit the plan's goals.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that districts of innovation are exempt from certain provisions, including the first day of instruction requirements under Section 25.0811(a)(3). The amendments to Sections 12A.003 and 12A.004 specify that these changes will apply only to local innovation plans adopted or renewed after the effective date of the Act, which is set to begin with the 2026-2027 school year. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.0811 (Education Code 25)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 25.0811 (Education Code 25)