CSHB 6 (Eissler) was debated on the House floor today. The bill changes the way instructional materials are purchased for public and charter schools and expands the meaning of “textbook” to include “instructional materials” in order to include open-source and electronic resources.
Under HB 6, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) commissioner will set up a resource materials account for each school district. Each district will decide which instructional materials to purchase for their students using a list of approved resources from the TEA commissioner. The list of approved materials will be developed following an input process from the State Board of Education (SBOE). Schools may still purchase supplemental materials not on the approved list (for example, electronics and enrichment courses).
During the House floor debate, Rep. Donna Howard inquired how lawmakers would be able to stop this fund from being tapped to certify the budget. Rep. Rob Eissler said this bill sent a strong message by statutorily dedicating the funds.
CSHB 6 passed to third reading with seven floor amendments adopted.