The Collin County Business Alliance (CCBA) recognizes the importance of fostering a skilled workforce and a strong talent pipeline in Texas, which is crucial for the future success of businesses. The CCBA is closely monitoring the 89th Texas Legislative Session, as lawmakers consider significant policy and funding decisions impacting education and workforce initiatives.

Education

In the ongoing 89th Texas Legislative Session, several significant education-related bills are being considered, with major implications for public schools and the broader education system. Here’s a summary of some of the largest and most debated topics:

Public School Funding (House Bill 2 / Senate Bills):

- - - Senate Bill 2: This bill aims to remove administrative barriers to workforce training, allowing state funds to be utilized more efficiently to meet current labor market demands.
      - Overall Funding: The House and Senate have different proposals for how to infuse additional funding into public education. While both aim for significant investment, the specifics of how that money is distributed differ.
        Basic Allotment: A key difference lies in the increase to the “basic allotment,” the per-student funding foundation. The House initially proposed a larger increase (e.g., from $6,160 to $6,555), while the Senate’s counterproposal was significantly lower (e.g., $55 per student increase). This difference impacts how much direct funding school districts receive for general operations.
        Teacher Pay: Both chambers are looking to increase teacher pay. The Senate’s approach in HB 2 includes a long-term teacher pay raise system tied to years of experience and aims to phase out the use of uncertified teachers by 2030. There’s also discussion around increasing the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) amounts for master, exemplary, recognized, and a new “acknowledged” category of teachers.
        Special Education Funding: There’s a notable increase in proposed funding for special education, with one version of HB 2 earmarking $1.3 billion.
        Support Staff and Other Personnel: Concerns have been raised that some proposals might leave out raises for support staff, counselors, nurses, and librarians, focusing primarily on teachers.

Education Savings Account (ESA) Program / School Choice (SB 2):

- - Status: Senate Bill 2, which establishes an education savings account (ESA) program (often referred to as school choice or vouchers), has been a major focus and has already been signed by the Governor.
  - Program Scope: This program allows taxpayer money to be used for private school costs. In its first year, it’s capped at $1 billion for up to 90,000 students, with potential for significant growth in future years.
  - Impact: The implementation of this program has sparked debate about its impact on public school funding and accountability, as private schools accepting vouchers are not necessarily subject to the same policies and accountability measures as public schools.

Student Assessment and Accountability (e.g., HB 4):

- - Testing System Overhaul: There are proposals to significantly change the statewide testing system. One bill aims to move from a single summative test (like STAAR) to a “through-year, adopted norm-referenced test” to provide faster feedback for instruction and demonstrate student growth.
  - Reduced Assessments: The goal is to reduce assessments to only those required by federal law.
  - Accountability System: Discussions include changes to the A-F ratings system for schools, potentially adding optional criteria like student engagement and pre-kindergarten participation for elementary and middle schools.

Career and Technical Education (CTE):

- - Funding and Programs: Bills are being monitored that impact CTE programs, including those related to the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) allotment.
  - Workforce Readiness: There’s a focus on how CTE can support the development of a skilled workforce, including proposals for reimbursement for certain examination fees and costs for students and teachers in CTE pathways.

Overall Context: The 89th Legislative Session is marked by significant debate over how to allocate the state’s substantial budget surplus. While there’s a general agreement on the need to invest in education, the specific mechanisms and priorities for that investment are areas of ongoing negotiation between the House and Senate, particularly concerning the balance between public school funding and new initiatives like the ESA program.

Workforce Development

In the ongoing 89th Texas Legislative Session, several measures have been introduced to address workforce development challenges statewide:

- - Senate Bill 856: This bill aims to remove administrative barriers to workforce training, allowing state funds to be utilized more efficiently to meet current labor market demands. This bill was passed by both houses and signed by the Governor on May 20, 2025.
  - Senate Bill 1535: Proposes the creation of the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program, administered by the Texas Workforce Commission in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This initiative seeks to address the growing need for skilled labor in Texas’ emerging advanced nuclear energy sector. This bill was passed by the senate on April 1, 2025 and is passed 3rd reading by the House awaiting a final vote.

There is currently no media coverage related to these bills, but you can track their progress on Fast Democracy’s website here: SB 856 and SB 1535.

By staying informed about these developments, Collin County residents and businesses can actively participate in shaping policies that impact the region’s future.

Important Note: The legislative process is dynamic. Bills can be introduced, amended, combined, or fail at various stages. For the most up-to-date information on specific bill numbers and their current status, it’s best to consult the official Texas Legislature Online website. The session is scheduled to conclude on June 2, 2025.

*Last updated 5/21/2025.