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Bill

SB 806

Relating to enrolling a public school student in a virtual education program as an alternative to expulsion.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bryan Hughes

Texas bill allows students facing expulsion to attend virtual school instead, maintaining education access while applying school discipline.

Referred to Education K-16
#education--primary&secondary--admission&attendance(i0227) #education--primary&secondary--discipline(i0244) #education--primary&secondary--virtualeducation(it7r2)
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Bill Summary · SB 806

Legislative bill overview

SB 806 would allow Texas public school students facing expulsion to enroll in virtual education programs as an alternative disciplinary measure. Rather than removing a student from traditional schooling entirely, the bill creates a pathway for continued education through online formats while the student remains under school district oversight.

Why is this important

Expulsion can derail students' academic progress and increase dropout rates, particularly among already-vulnerable populations. This bill addresses a genuine tension in education policy: districts need disciplinary tools for serious misconduct, but permanent removal from education can have lifelong consequences for students and communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Virtual programs require infrastructure, technology, and staff; unclear who bears these expenses
  • Equity concerns: Virtual education may disadvantage students lacking home technology access or parental supervision, potentially creating a two-tiered discipline system
  • Effectiveness debate: Whether online learning genuinely prevents future misconduct or simply displaces problematic behavior outside traditional schools
  • Due process questions: What protections ensure students aren't pressured into virtual enrollment as a coercive alternative to formal expulsion proceedings
  • Definition ambiguity: Bill's current stage suggests unclear parameters on which offenses qualify for this alternative versus full expulsion

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

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