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HB 2196

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Trent Ashby and 7 co-sponsors

Expands Texas virtual education options and lets education commissioner adjust school funding calculations during emergencies to protect district revenues.

Laid on the table subject to call
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Bill Summary · HB 2196

Legislative bill overview

HB 2196 expands virtual education options in Texas public schools and grants the education commissioner authority to modify how school funding is calculated during emergencies or crises. The bill also authorizes the state to charge fees related to these virtual education provisions.

Why is this important

School funding in Texas is tied to average daily attendance (ADA), so changes to how attendance is counted directly affect district revenues. During emergencies (like pandemic lockdowns), this mechanism prevents funding cliffs when students shift to remote learning. The bill also shapes how extensively virtual education can be offered, affecting student access and district operational models.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding manipulation concerns: Allowing commissioners to modify ADA calculations during "emergencies" could be exploited to justify funding changes, and the bill's definition of what constitutes an emergency may be unclear or subject to political interpretation.
  • Virtual education expansion: Broader virtual options may disadvantage rural districts lacking broadband infrastructure, widen achievement gaps for students without home support, and reduce in-person enrollment funding for traditional public schools.
  • Fee authorization ambiguity: The bill authorizes unspecified fees without detailing what they'll fund, who pays them, or how much they could cost families or districts.

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

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