MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Education was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Larry Taylor, Chair		None
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Vice Chair
Senator Paul Bettencourt
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Sylvia Garcia
Senator Don Huffines
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator José Rodríguez
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Van Taylor
Senator Royce West

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:06 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The Chair laid out the interim charge to study school choice programs enacted in states across the nation, examining education savings account and tax credit scholarship programs in particular. Examine the implementation process used in other states and what impact these programs have had on student academics and state and local district budgets. Make recommendations on which choice plan could best serve Texas students.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Lucio, Jr. assumed the chair.

 

Senator Larry Taylor resumed the chair.

 

The Chair laid out the interim charge to monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor legislation

establishing state intervention procedures for public schools with academically unsuccessful ratings of at least two consecutive school years; and providing school districts the ability to be designated as a district of innovation.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

 

The Chair laid out the interim charge to monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor legislation to require a minimum number of minutes of instruction for each school year.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Lucio, Jr. assumed the chair.

 

Senator Garcia assumed the chair.

 

A 5:54 PM Senator Garcia moved that the Committee stand recessed due to a fire in the building. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 6:18 PM Senator Garcia reconvened the meeting.

 

Senator Larry Taylor resumed the chair.

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 7:57 PM Senator Larry Taylor moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________________

Senator Larry Taylor, Chair

 

 

__________________________________________

Nicole Sunstrum, Clerk