Relating to the bilingual education allotment under the public school finance system.
Summary
HB 3460 revises the bilingual education allotment in Texas public school finance law. The bill directs the Texas Education Agency to review school districts that offer agency-approved alternative language education methods and to approve a limited number of districts to receive a new allotment, capped at $10 million statewide per biennium. The allotment would apply to students in average daily attendance in approved dual language immersion programs, including one-way or two-way models, with different funding weights for emergent bilingual students and other participating students.
The bill also allows the agency to require additional PEIMS reporting from districts that receive an exception under existing bilingual education rules, including classification of alternative language education methods used by the district. It further clarifies that at least 55 percent of funds allocated under the section must be used for bilingual education or special language programs, and it specifies allowable uses such as evaluation, instructional materials, staff development, supplemental staffing, teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, and related instructional supplies. The bill would take effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 3460 would amend Sections 29.054 and 48.105 of the Education Code, changing how bilingual education funding is distributed and monitored. It creates a new, competitive or selective allotment structure for districts using approved alternative language education methods, limits total biennial funding to $10 million, and expands TEA oversight through additional PEIMS reporting requirements. School districts offering dual language immersion programs, especially those serving emergent bilingual students, would be the primary beneficiaries, while districts not selected for the allotment would not receive the new funding.
Sentiment
The available record suggests the bill was treated as a public education funding measure with no recorded floor vote or committee transcript showing strong opposition or support. Its placement in the Public Education committees and its focus on bilingual and dual language programming indicate a policy goal of supporting language education options and aligning funding with those programs. The bill was ultimately laid on the table subject to call in the House, which suggests it did not advance at that time, but the record provided does not show the reasons or the level of support behind that action.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the $10 million biennial cap, the agency’s discretion to approve only a cross-section of districts, and the added reporting/classification requirements imposed on districts receiving exceptions. Supporters would likely favor the targeted funding for dual language and emergent bilingual programs, while critics could question whether the allotment is too limited, whether the selection process is equitable, or whether the administrative reporting burden is justified. Another possible issue is the bill’s restriction that at least 55 percent of funds be used for specified bilingual or special language purposes, which narrows district flexibility in spending.
Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.