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Bill

SB 786

Relating to authorizing school districts to provide funding using money received under the Foundation School Program to community-based organizations for purposes of reimbursing private employers for paid internships provided to certain students in career and technology education programs in the district.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carol Alvarado

SB 786 allows Texas school districts to use state education funding to reimburse private employers for offering paid internships to career education students through community organizations.

Referred to Education K-16
#education--primary&secondary--curriculum(i0228) #education--primary&secondary--finance(i0250) #foundationschoolprogram(s0541)
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Bill Summary · SB 786

Legislative bill overview

SB 786 allows Texas school districts to use state Foundation School Program funding to reimburse private employers for offering paid internships to students enrolled in career and technology education (CTE) programs. The bill creates a pathway for public education dollars to support work-based learning experiences through community-based organizations as intermediaries.

Why is this important

This bill addresses workforce development by connecting students to real-world career experience while potentially reducing employer burden for offering internships. It represents a policy shift in how state education funding can be deployed—moving money from traditional classroom spending to employer reimbursement for apprenticeship-style programs that may improve student employment outcomes and address labor shortages in skilled trades.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding diversion concerns: Using Foundation School Program money for employer reimbursement could reduce direct classroom resources, raising questions about whether this represents the best use of public education dollars
  • Private sector subsidy debate: Critics may argue this uses taxpayer money to subsidize private business costs that companies should bear themselves as part of workforce recruitment
  • Accountability and oversight: The bill's implementation details regarding how community organizations vet employers, ensure quality internships, and track student outcomes remain unclear and could affect program effectiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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