Current and Retired Public-Ed Employees - Time for Some Homework - Assignment #2

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

            In Lesson 1, it was all about knowing the acronyms, an all-too-familiar requirement for public-ed employees. It seems like every new program—local, state, or federal—has an acronym. It’s kind of like living in a bowl of alphabet soup throughout your years in public ed.

            Now everyone should know the words that create the acronyms COLA and TRS and what they both mean to current and retired public-ed employees.  If not, be sure to return to Lesson 1 for re-teach.

            If you are a current public-ed employee, you may be wondering why YOU should be joining retired public-ed employees in our advocacy at the state and federal level. That’s an easy answer—because we’re fighting for YOUR future, too!  Whether you are a new public-ed employee or one nearing retirement, what happens today can make a big difference in what YOUR retirement looks like.

            If you are a retired public-ed employee, I shouldn’t have to tell you why YOU should be involved. Isn’t it crazy that, according to the TRS website, “We are the largest public retirement system in Texas, serving more than 1.6 million people.” Can you just imagine for a moment what would happen in Austin and in D.C. if anywhere close to 1.6 MILLION TRS members got involved at the state level, fighting for a COLA and health care at least equal to what our state legislators get when they retire, and at the federal level, fighting for Social Security Fairness?  Talk about a squeaky wheel!

Let’s start with current public-ed employees. 

·        Learn along with us so you can teach your coworkers. 

·         Join in when we have CALLS TO ACTION, contacting legislators at the state and federal level about specific topics that directly affect public-ed employees and retirees.

·         Follow this blog and my Facebook page and make sure you belong to an employee association or union that keeps you informed and encourages you to get involved.

·         Don’t sit back and wait for others to do it. Be part of the advocacy process!

 If you are a public-ed retiree, we desperately need you to get involved, too!

·             If you’re not already, become a member of TRTA, the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and look into joining a local chapter. Annual state dues are just $35, the same amount they were when I joined in 2014. Executive Director Tim Lee has been fighting for public-ed retirees (and all of you currently working who will retire one day) for years at both the state and federal level. As a member of TRTA, you also have access to special group rates for dental and vision insurance, among other benefits.

·             I also belong to Texas AFT Retiree Plus, which was established a few years ago to get public-ed retirees more involved in advocacy for better benefits and to have promises made to us--throughout our careers--fulfilled. This membership is $2 per month. You can include extra each month (I give $5 a month.) so those extra dollars go toward political advocacy. Like most professional organizations, they offer benefits, too.

·             You may want to look at other public-ed retiree organizations. Check them out and see which ones allow you to GET INVOLVED!  The louder we get, the better our chances of being heard and of affecting true change.

             This week, I finally cut the (cable) cord. Although an ATT customer for over 30 years, month after month, I saw my bills rise. DIRECTV had gotten prohibitive, especially when combined with the rising cost of gas and groceries. 

Remember, in the eight years I have been retired, I have NEVER received a COLA from the Texas Legislature. Those who retired long before me haven’t, either, so I can only imagine how much they struggle. I always think about my retired public-ed colleagues who earned significantly less than I did, wondering how they can possibly make ends meet at times like these.

I called and canceled my DIRECTV and went to a streaming service that is far less expensive but that still allows me to enjoy my must-have channels. THIS is just one more reason why our advocacy is so critical and why WE NEED YOU—NOW!

 

NEXT LESSON: What are WEP and GPO, and what will it take to get both repealed?

Chris Ardis retired in May of 2013 following a 29-year teaching career. She now works as a freelance writer and editor and is committed to education, educators, and students. Chris can be reached at cardis1022@aol.com. (Photo by Linda Blackwell, McAllen.)

Current and Retired Public-Ed Employees - Time for Some Homework - Assignment #1

 

Assignment #1

KNOW THE ACRONYMS KNOW THE FACTS EDUCATE OTHERS

 

            Public-ed retirees need a COLA. I’m not talking about the popular drink in the bright red can. I’m talking about a cost-of-living adjustment. I retired from teaching in 2013, and I have never received one because the Texas Legislature refuses to pass legislation that directs the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) to provide it. How is that possible?

            Before I go on, I want to remind you, once again, that Teacher Retirement System is a misnomer because it is the retirement system for all public-education retirees, including our custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, school nurses, librarians, sign-language interpreters, classroom aides, cafeteria staff, police officers, maintenance staff, administrators, and anyone else employed by school districts in Texas. I actually can’t believe that not one Texas legislator has deemed it essential to change the name.  After all, it is terribly misleading.

            According to the retirement system’s website, “TRS is the largest public retirement system in Texas in both membership and assets. As of August, 31 2020, the agency is serving nearly 1.7 million participants. System assets total nearly $187 billion.”

            Let’s take a closer look.  According to the Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator, “$1 in 2013 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $1.18 today, an increase of $0.18 over 8 years. The dollar had an average inflation rate of 2.06% per year between 2013 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 17.75%.  This means that today's prices are 1.18 times higher than average prices since 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index. A dollar today only buys 84.75% of what it could buy back then.”

            And many of us have been cringing as we’ve watched prices on gas, groceries, medications, and more continue to climb. But no COLA.

            You might wonder when the Texas Legislature last approved a COLA for TRS retirees. It’s easy to trace in the TRS History of Benefit Changes. Actually, it was in 2013…BUT…that was only for TRS annuitants who retired on or before August 31, 2004. It was a 3 percent COLA, capped at no more than $100 per month. You wonder why I often say we’re thirsty for a COLA?  Because there hasn’t been a single one for the past 17 years!

            Now compare that to retirees who earn Social Security benefits. Just since 2013, they have received a COLA every year except 2015. For 2021, their COLA is 5.9 percent. For TRS retirees: a big, fat zero.

Did you know most Texas school districts do not allow employees to pay into Social Security? For those of us who are in that situation, the only way we can get Social Security is if we worked other jobs before, during, or after our public-ed employment. But even then, it’s complicated because of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). More on these NEED-TO-KNOW acronyms for current and retired public-ed employees in a future lesson.

            During the Second Called Special Session in 2021, the 87^th Texas Legislature passed—and the governor signed—Senate Bill 7, which authorizes a one-time 13^th check for TRS retirees, paid out in January 2022. TRS retirees whose pension checks are less than $2400 will receive a check equal to the amount of their monthly annuity. Those whose checks are $2400 or more will receive a check for $2400, the cap on this 13^th check.

            How much do you think TRS retirees earn each month? According to the TRS publication, A Great Value for All Texans, here is the 2020 monthly benefit distribution for TRS retirees:

 

            The next time you go to fill up your tank, buy groceries, go to have a medical exam performed, or pick up a prescription, think about someone you know who spent his or her career in public education and who retired over the past 17 years. Think about that person you know not having a single COLA for 17 years.

            No wonder we’re thirsty.

NEXT LESSON: What can YOU do about it?

Chris Ardis retired in May of 2013 following a 29-year teaching career. She now works as a freelance writer and editor and is committed to education, educators, and students. Chris can be reached at cardis1022@aol.com. (Photo by Linda Blackwell, McAllen.)

Public Education Employees and Retirees – CONTACT GOVERNOR ABBOTT NOW! CALL FOR A SPECIAL SESSION TO QUENCH OUR THIRST!

 

            I retired in 2013 and have never had a COLA.  I’m not talking about the soft drink. In the eight years I have been retired, I have never received a Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to my pension to help offset the cost of inflation.

            Before I go further, for those who don’t know, the retirement system for public-education employees is called TRS or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. ALERT! This acronym is a misnomer because TRS isn’t only for retired teachers in our state. Rather, TRS is the retirement system for our bus drivers, secretaries, cafeteria staff, librarians, counselors, maintenance staff, school nurses and social workers, classroom aides, administrators, and all other public-education employees.

            In case you haven’t seen this, you may want to know how much current TRS retirees earn each month in the pension system we paid into throughout our careers:

 

SOURCE: A Great Value for All Texans, TRS, February 2021

               Look at this carefully. Nearly 31 percent of TRS members earn a pension between $1 and $1000 per month.

            Now let’s return to the COLA. As I mentioned earlier, I have not received a single COLA in the eight years I have been retired.  But imagine this! The Texas Legislature has not provided a COLA to any public-education retirees who have retired since September 1, 2004. 

            That is not a typo.  Since 2004. That’s 17 years without a COLA.  Let’s compare that to Social Security.

 

            Did you know the vast majority of retired public-education employees in Texas will not earn Social Security because—through no fault of our own—we do not pay into it while working in the public-education system? Those of us who HAVE worked outside of education pay into Social Security, but we are severely penalized by the federal government through the WEP and the GPO. 

I must save this story for another day, but what I will share with you today is that the TRS pension is the sole retirement income for countless public-education retirees.

            FINALLY, it looked like the 87^th Texas Legislature was going to provide us with at least a “sip” after the 17-year COLA drought. But the Texas Retired Teachers’ Association’s reports that the Senate Finance Committee failed to allow public hearings on any of the COLA-related bills filed, and the House Calendars Committee allowed two critical bills—HB 3214 and HB 3507 to die a slow death. HB 3214 would have provided a six-percent COLA—capped at $100 per month--while HB 3507 would have given TRS members a one-time payment (also known as a 13^th check), with a $2400 cap.

            There should not have been any excuses.  As a result of action taken during the 2019 Legislative Session, TRS of Texas is now actuarially sound, and providing us with a COLA would not change that. This is the criteria for providing TRS members with a COLA.

            THE TIME IS NOW! RISE UP, PUBLIC-ED EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES! 

          It is important for current public-ed employees to join us in this fight because we are fighting for your future, too.

According to the TRS website, there are currently 1.6 million members. SPEAK NOW OR LIVE COLA-LESS FOR AT LEAST TWO MORE YEARS!  That’s when the Texas Legislature reconvenes.  2023.

            We allowed them to strip us of our affordable health insurance in 2017, which was still FAR inferior to THEIRS.

            Are we going to allow them to do this, too, or are we going to CALL/TWEET GOVERNOR ABBOTT? Only he can call a Special Session. Let us make it clear, we want him to do so and to include a COLA for TRS members on the Session’s agenda.

            Start tweeting him @GregAbbott_TX NOW and start calling his office (512-463-2000) Monday! Let him know 17 years without a COLA is SHAMEFUL!

            Remind Gov. Abbott that TRS retirees devoted our lives to the children of this state, and WE’RE THIRSTY! We NEED a COLA!

Chris Ardis retired in May of 2013 following a 29-year teaching career. She now works as a freelance writer and editor and is committed to education, educators, and students. Chris can be reached at cardis1022@aol.com. (Photo by Linda Blackwell, McAllen.)

The Texas Senate and Public Education – Follow the Bills

 

In my January 14 blog post, I provided a list of the bills filed in the Texas Senate related to public education and public-school employees and retirees.  At that time, a total of 339 Senate Bills had been filed.  As of late last night, 2142 have been filed, so it was time to update the list of bills that affect our schools and our school employees and retirees.  Please forgive me if I missed any, but I have searched through 4,569 House Bills and 2,142 Senate Bills in the last two-and-a-half days, in addition to 791 resolutions filed in the two houses..

            Before you begin your own journey through these bills, I have a few notes for you.  I will warn you that these notes are almost identical to the notes provided in yesterday’s blog post as the process remains the same.

·         Anything highlighted relates to TRS members, active and retired (also referred to as the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program), as well as SCR 17, authored by Sen. Bryan Hughes, “Urging Congress to repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision of the Social Security Act.” These unfair practices cause teachers, firefighters, police officers, and some federal employees in 15 states—including Texas--to lose most of the Social Security benefits we EARN/EARNED working at jobs before, during, and/or after our careers in those fields.

·         You can use “Find” on your computer to look for specific key words in this list that are of particular interest to you that you want to follow.  Some suggestions are: adaptive sports program, inclusive playgrounds, University Interscholastic League, dyslexia, bilingual education, mental health (also behavioral health), special education, bullying, charter schools, COVID (also disease), immunization, cost of living, assessment (which is used in place of STAAR in the bills), online learning (and virtual learning), school finance, Foundation School Program, dual enrollment, virtual meetings.

·         Note that each bill number on my list is in blue and is underlined.  That is a direct link to the text/summary of the bill if you would like to read more about it.

·         When you find bills/resolutions of interest to you and you want to follow them as they move through the legislative process, you can do so by setting up an account here.  In the far-right corner, click “Login.” Then click “New User?”  Set up your account. 

Ø  Once your account has been set up, click on “Home,” and under “Search Legislation,” click in the “Bill Number” circle.  Type in the bill number of the bill you want to follow.  Then, on the right side, click “Alert List” so you will receive an alert every time there is any action regarding that bill.  (I leave it on “Any Category” so I get an alert by email every time there is any movement on the bill, but you can choose for which actions in the process you want to receive an alert.)  You can also keep a running list of bills you are following by clicking “Add to Bill List,” which allows you to set up different categories so your list is organized by subjects.)

·         In Microsoft Word, where I first copy and paste all of the bills filed, there are 24 PAGES of Senate Bills, to date, affecting public education and public-school employees and retirees.

·         PAY CLOSE ATTENTION and keep others informed, too.

Here goes!  These are the bills filed in the Texas Senate (as of approximately 1:30 this morning when I finished the list) that affect public education and public-school employees and retirees.

SB 346	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Higher Education
	Caption:	Relating to the participation of open-enrollment charter schools in the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.

SB 347	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to the inclusion of local school health advisory councils as governmental bodies for purposes of the open meetings law and the public information law.
SB 348	Author:	Kolkhorst
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to parental access to public school virtual instruction and instructional materials for virtual and remote learning.

SB 369	Author:	Kolkhorst
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the notice required regarding the requirement to submit a financial aid application as a condition of high school graduation for public school students.

SB 373	Author:	Perry
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to State Affairs
	Caption:	Relating to requiring public school students to participate in interscholastic athletic activities based on biological sex.

SB 382	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

SB 393	Author:	Miles
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the consideration of certain student differentials based on sex under the public school accountability system.

SB 396	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the establishment of school district policies regarding the marketing and commercial advertising of food products on school district property.

SB 405	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the inclusion of a mental health course in the required curriculum for public high school students.

SB 406	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to training requirements for public school board of trustees members and superintendents regarding the adoption of a trauma-informed school standard.

 

SB 407	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to reporting the number of incidents of bullying and cyberbullying in a school district and open-enrollment charter school through the Public Education Information Management System.

SB 411	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to open meetings of the governing body of a charter holder and the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school.

SB 414	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the justified use of force by a school employee or volunteer against a student.

SB 434	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to the provision and delivery of certain health, mental health, and educational services in this state, including the delivery of those services using telecommunications or information technology.

SB 436	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to health benefit plan coverage of preexisting conditions including COVID-19.
SB 441	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Criminal Justice
	Caption:	Relating to the authority of a county to restrict sex offenders from child safety zones in the unincorporated area of the county.

SB 442	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/18/2021 S Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
	Caption:	Relating to local school health advisory councils and health education provided by school districts, including requirements regarding human sexuality instruction.

SB 445	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Transportation
	Caption:	Relating to the use of a flashing warning signal light and certain other equipment by a person operating a school bus.

SB 462	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to funding under the transportation allotment for transporting meals and instructional materials to a student's residence.

SB 467	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to the regulation of dyslexia practitioners and therapists.

SB 473	Author:	Schwertner
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the curriculum requirements for public high school students.

SB 481	Author:	Kolkhorst
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the entitlement of certain public school students to transfer to a school district offering in-person instruction.

SB 482	Author:	Schwertner
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Finance
	Caption:	Relating to a biennial study and report by the Employees Retirement System of Texas and Teacher Retirement System of Texas on converting to a defined contribution plan.
SB 483	Author:	Schwertner
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Finance
	Caption:	Relating to a biennial report on the investment returns of the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

SB 487	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.

SB 491	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to authorizing equal opportunity for access by home-schooled students to University Interscholastic League sponsored activities; authorizing a fee.

SB 520	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to funding for school districts to provide inclusive and accessible playgrounds.

SB 534	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to immunity from liability of public and private schools and security personnel employed by those schools for certain actions of security personnel.

SB 559	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to teacher certification examinations in bilingual target language proficiency and to certification requirements for teachers in bilingual education.

SB 560	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to developing a strategic plan for the improvement and expansion of high-quality bilingual education.

SB 564	Author:	Gutierrez
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to school district employment policies regarding the notice required before filling certain vacant positions at the district.
B 587	Author:	Springer
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the career and technology education allotment under the Foundation School Program.

SB 612	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to the eligibility of school district employees for workers' compensation benefits for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and payment of those benefits.

SB 619	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to prohibiting a student from participating in future extracurricular activities for certain conduct involving the assault of an extracurricular activity official.

SB 639	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to remote meetings under the open meetings law.

SB 642	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Health & Human Services
	Caption:	Relating to the provision of mental health services for certain children at risk of relinquishment.

SB 663	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development
	Caption:	Relating to the development of and report on a tri-agency work-based learning strategic framework by the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

SB 681	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to requiring school districts to adopt a policy regarding the idling of the engine of a school bus.

SB 686	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to the creation and funding of the Texas student connectivity account; imposing a fee.
SB 688	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the development of a special education services matrix.

SB 706	Author:	Lucio | Buckingham | Hall | Paxton
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Finance
	Caption:	Relating to the continuation and functions of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

SB 728	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

SB 741	Author:	Birdwell
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the carrying or storage of a handgun by a school marshal.

SB 746	Author:	Miles
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to requiring the parent of a student enrolled in a school district to provide and update a student's contact information.

SB 776	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the creation of an adaptive sports program by the University Interscholastic League to provide students with disabilities access to team sports.
SB 785	Author:	Creighton
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the expiration of a school marshal license issued or renewed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

SB 797	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to State Affairs
	Caption:	Relating to the display of the national motto in public schools and institutions of higher education.

SB 801	Author:	Kolkhorst
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the development of an agriculture education program for public elementary schools.

SB 827	Author:	Kolkhorst | Alvarado | Bettencourt | Blanco | Campbell | et al.
	Last Action:	03/17/2021 S Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
	Caption:	Relating to pricing of and health benefit plan cost-sharing requirements for prescription insulin.

SB 838	Author:	Kolkhorst
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to State Affairs
	Caption:	Relating to the authorization by a school district or open-enrollment charter school for a person to carry or possess a weapon on school premises for purposes of safety and security.

SB 846	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the issuance of a teaching certificate to certain applicants with experience as instructors for the Community College of the Air Force.

SB 861	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to remote meetings under the open meetings law.

SB 879	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the qualifications for designation as a dropout recovery school.

SB 880	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to authorizing a dropout recovery competency-based educational pilot program provided through a campus or campus program charter or open-enrollment charter school.

SB 892	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to a school district or open-enrollment charter school adopting a policy allowing a school employee to carry or possess a handgun on school property or at a school event.

SB 894	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the model training curriculum and required education and training of security personnel employed by a school district.
SB 895	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the requirements for a school district improvement plan.

SB 920	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to data collection by and consultation with the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services regarding the task force's duties and requiring the Texas Education Agency to report on mental health services provided to public school students.

SB 924	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Business & Commerce
	Caption:	Relating to requirements for open meetings that are broadcast over the Internet or held by telephone conference or videoconference call.

SB 936	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding restraints administered to, complaints filed against, citations issued to, and arrests made of students.

B 979	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to the indicator of achievement for military readiness under the public school accountability system.

SB 980	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Education
	Caption:	Relating to a suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention program for certain public elementary school campuses.

SB 1011	Author:	Hinojosa
	Last Action:	03/04/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to measures to mitigate the effects of a disaster on public schools, including personal leave provided for certain public school employees, the temporary suspension of certain accountability determinations and promotion or graduation criteria, the calculation of average daily attendance for the 2020-2021 school year, and a study on methods to reduce truancy rates.

SB 1049	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/04/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to demonstration programs for childhood obesity and chronic disease prevention in certain border counties.

SB 1051	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/04/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to student loan repayment assistance for school counselors employed by a school district.

SB 1063	Author:	Alvarado
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to courses in personal financial literacy & economics for high school students in public schools.

SB 1074	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to positive behavior plans of school districts, development of positive behavior best practices by the Texas Education Agency, and reporting of disproportionate discretionary disciplinary action by school districts.

SB 1081	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the regulation and operation of open-enrollment charter schools.

SB 1082	Author:	Campbell
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to parental access to curriculum materials used in a public school's human sexuality instruction.

 

SB 1083	Author:	Campbell
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to parental approval for a student's participation in human sexuality instruction in public schools.

SB 1095	Author:	Creighton
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to notice regarding the availability to public school students of college credit and work-based education programs and subsidies for fees paid to take certain advanced placement tests.

SB 1101	Author:	Creighton
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to creating a bilingual special education certification to teach students of limited English proficiency with disabilities.

SB 1108	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the terminology used to refer to an individualized education program team.

SB 1109	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to requiring public schools to provide instruction and materials and adopt policies relating to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, and dating violence.

SB 1116	Author:	Bettencourt | Birdwell | Creighton | Hall | Kolkhorst | et al.
	Last Action:	03/05/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a county, city, or independent school district posting election results on an Internet website.

SB 1171	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/08/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the electronic administration of assessment instruments in public schools and to certain measures to support Internet connectivity for purposes of those assessment instruments.

SB 1180	Author:	Seliger
	Last Action:	03/08/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the indicator of achievement for military readiness under the public school accountability system.

SB 1191	Author:	Seliger
	Last Action:	03/08/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the definition of a school resource officer.

SB 1194	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to academic accountability ratings for certain school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and contracted entities that offer full-time online programs through the state virtual school network and revocation of approval to operate or contract to operate those programs.
SB 1204	Author:	Schwertner
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to requiring the inclusion of certain recommendations in reports on the actuarial experience of the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

SB 1211	Author:	Kolkhorst
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the determination of the total taxable value of property in a school district that has entered into an agreement under the Texas Economic Development Act.

SB 1220	Author:	Johnson
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to an application for the establishment of a new open-enrollment charter school campus or site.

SB 1228	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to military readiness for purposes of the college, career, or military readiness outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program.

SB 1232	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the management and investment of the permanent school fund, including the duties of the School Land Board and the creation of the Permanent School Fund Investment Management Organization.

SB 1238	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to matters regarding educators, including the composition of the State Board for Educator Certification, the board's disciplinary proceedings, and a public school teacher's notification of resignation from employment.

SB 1267	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to continuing education and training requirements for educators and other school district personnel.

SB 1277	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to an agreement between a school district and public institution of higher education to provide a dual credit program to high school students enrolled in the district.

SB 1303	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the efficient use and generation of electricity by public schools.

SB 1310	Author:	Hall
	Last Action:	03/09/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to informed consent to immunizations for children.

SB 1317	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the training and responsibilities of certain educational entities that have certain responsibilities regarding public school oversight.

 

SB 1318	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the authority of the commissioner of education to conduct special accreditation investigations.

SB 1319	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the applicability of requirements regarding the suspension of a student from a school district of innovation.

 

SB 1320	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the applicability of educator certification and assignment requirements to school districts of innovation.

 

SB 1321	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the state plan for career and technology education.

SB 1351	Author:	Miles
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the donation of food by public school campuses.
SB 1356	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a program to facilitate public school tutoring by certain teachers.

SB 1361	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the election of the board of trustees of certain school districts and the powers and duties of the board of trustees of school districts.

 

SB 1362	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to prohibiting public schools from leasing, owning, or having a business interest in certain entities and real property associated with those entities.

 

SB 1363	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to governmental entities that may partner with a school district to operate a district campus.

SB 1365	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to public school organization, accountability, and fiscal management.

SB 1372	Author:	Huffman | Schwertner
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the evaluation and reporting of investment practices and performance of certain public retirement systems.

SB 1378	Author:	Gutierrez
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the permissible uses of the bilingual education allotment provided under the foundation school program.

SB 1389	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to remote learning programs provided by school districts and the calculation of average daily attendance in public schools.

SB 1415	Author:	Creighton
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a study by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas regarding the use of health reimbursement accounts in conjunction with Medicare plans available through the individual marketplace to provide health and pharmacy benefit coverage for certain retired school employees.
SB 1431	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the assessment and collection of ad valorem taxes imposed by a school district.

SB 1436	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the appeal of a determination by the comptroller of public accounts of a protest of the comptroller's findings in a study of school district property values.

SB 1444	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to participation in and rates for coverage provided under the uniform group coverage program for active school employees.
SB 1445	Author:	Seliger
	Last Action:	03/10/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a parental option to request the return to or retention at a certain grade level for a public school student whose education was disrupted by the coronavirus disease pandemic.

SB 1517	Author:	Gutierrez
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to broadcasting of athletic competitions sponsored or sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League.

SB 1522	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the adjustment of the average daily attendance of a school district on the basis of a calamity.

SB 1526	Author:	Perry
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to restricting the use of personally identifiable student information by an operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile application used for a school purpose and providing an exemption from certain restrictions for a national assessment provider.

SB 1527	Author:	Perry
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to measures to assist small and rural school districts in implementing a collegiate model and expanding broadband access, including the establishment of the Rural Schools and Communities Technical Assistance Center and a grant program.

SB 1536	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the public school finance system.

SB 1581	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a public school campus's election under a campus turnaround plan to operate as a community school.

SB 1590	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to rules by the State Board for Educator Certification regarding virtual observation options for field-based experiences and internships required for educator certification.

SB 1595	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the use of corporal punishment in public schools.

SB 1596	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the membership of a school district's threat assessment and safe and supportive school team and committee and the school safety allotment under the public school finance system.

SB 1597	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to requiring school districts to report management fees under certain cooperative purchasing contracts.

 

SB 1598	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the regional inventory of mental health resources for public schools and the statewide plan for student mental health.

SB 1615	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the adult high school charter school program.

SB 1618	Author:	Bettencourt
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to in-depth evaluations and reports on certain investments of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

SB 1645	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to public school accountability ratings, including interventions and sanctions administered to a school district or campus assigned a needs improvement rating.

SB 1670	Author:	Hall
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to immunization requirements for admission to public schools.

SB 1683	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the use of the school safety allotment for a school district's disaster or pandemic preparation and response.

SB 1686	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system, the career and technology allotment under the public school finance system, and enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System.

SB 1693	Author:	Paxton | Hughes
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the program requiring dyslexia screening and testing in public schools.

 

SB 1694	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district.

 

SB 1695	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to online courses and programs offered by a public school, including courses and programs offered through the state virtual school network.

 

SB 1696	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to establishing a system for the sharing of information regarding cyber attacks or other cybersecurity incidents occurring in schools in this state.

 

SB 1697	Author:	Paxton
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to allowing parents and guardians to elect for a student to repeat or retake a course or grade.

SB 1702	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to course requirements for public high school students and a requirement to collect and report information regarding endorsements earned by public school students.

 

SB 1703	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to continuing education for public school counselors and the provision of postsecondary counseling by certain counselors at public schools.

SB 1716	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a supplemental special education services and instructional materials program for certain public school students receiving special education services.

SB 1740	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the inclusion of civics education in public schools, including continuing education requirements on civics education for certain classroom teachers.

SB 1758	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to reenrollment of certain retirees in the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program.

SB 1776	Author:	Campbell
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the inclusion of an elective course on the founding principles of the United States in the curriculum for public high school students and the posting of the founding documents of the United States in public school buildings.

SB 1785	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to grants available to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide services to students after a disaster in the state of Texas; an adjustment to prevent generational educational decline under the public school finance system; and ensure maintenance of effort.

 

SB 1786	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and supplemental funding for public schools.

SB 1789	Author:	Gutierrez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the required minutes of service during each school day for a classroom teacher in public schools.

SB 1790	Author:	Gutierrez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to restricting the written information a public school teacher is required to provide in a lesson plan.

SB 1792	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a leave pool for school district employees.

 

SB 1793	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the eligibility of certain children who are enrolled in a child care services program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

SB 1798	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to adjustment of the average daily attendance for school districts providing additional half-day instruction for certain students.

 

SB 1799	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the creation of a broadband Internet connectivity and broadband access grant program to facilitate instruction and learning for public school students.

SB 1823	Author:	Huffman
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the contributions to and benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
SB 1841	Author:	Eckhardt
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the school district property value study conducted by the comptroller of public accounts.

SB 1855	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a survey developed and administered by the Texas Education Agency prior to assessment instruments.

SB 1862	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the creation of a task force by the commissioner of education on students residing in temporary living arrangements.

SB 1869	Author:	Miles
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the election of trustees of certain school districts.

SB 1870	Author:	Miles
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the date on which an election for trustees of certain school districts must be held.

SB 1885	Author:	Campbell
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to open meetings of governmental bodies.

SB 1888	Author:	Creighton
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the establishment of certain programs to facilitate early high school graduation and enrollment at public institutions of higher education and to the repeal of the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program.

SB 1898	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to global and cultural studies instruction and mandatory graduation requirements in public schools.

SB 1918	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the duties of school district peace officers and school resource officers.

SB 1927	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a period of prayer in public schools and at school-sponsored athletic events.

SB 1943	Author:	Gutierrez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the reduction of school district property taxes as a result of the school facilities allotment.

SB 1946	Author:	Springer
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the rulemaking authority of the University Interscholastic League

SB 1961	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the requirements for a request for the revision of a charter for an open-enrollment charter school.

 

SB 1962	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to certain open-enrollment charter school admission policies and the consideration of the number of special education eligible students served by a charter holder in approving a charter holder's application for an expansion amendment.

SB 1965	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to an application for a charter for an open-enrollment charter school and to the expansion of an open-enrollment charter school.

 

SB 1966	Author:	West
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the creation of a Texas Commission on Assessment and Accountability.

SB 1969	Author:	Nelson
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to state fiscal matters related to public education.

SB 1979	Author:	Miles
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to reporting and disseminating information regarding public school disciplinary actions.

B 1991	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to district bilingual and special language programs.

SB 2004	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to expanding the compensatory education allotment to allow funds to be used to implement social-emotional learning programs.

SB 2023	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to providing high-quality tutoring services to public school students, including the creation of the Texas Tutor Corps program, the establishment of a COVID-19 learning loss and student acceleration pilot program, and the use of the compensatory education allotment for tutoring services programs.

SB 2026	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to instruction in informed patriotism in public schools.

SB 2050	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the prevention of and the reporting of incidents of bullying committed by public school students.
SB 2053	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the adoption of a healthy and safe school water plan by public schools.

SB 2057	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a matching grant program for school districts for the development and implementation of programs to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.

 

SB 2058	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to individual graduation committee qualification requirements for certain students.

SB 2061	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to information on and requirements for certain courses and educational programs offered in public schools, including courses offered through the state virtual school network.

SB 2063	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to public school discipline policies, practices, and procedures regarding student substance use and substance abuse prevention and intervention and mental health training for campus behavior coordinators.

SB 2065	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to emergent bilingual students and increasing the expenditure requirement for the bilingual education allotment.

 

SB 2066	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to emergent bilingual students in public schools.

SB 2081	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the average ratio of students and teachers in a prekindergarten class.
SB 2082	Author:	Menéndez
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the provision of information regarding certain public assistance programs by public schools.

SB 2092	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a cost-of-living adjustment applicable to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

SB 2094	Author:	Taylor
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the commissioner of education's authority regarding the assessment of public school students and providing accelerated instruction for students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.

SB 2096	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to education employees uniform group health coverage.

SB 2105	Author:	Zaffirini
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to the appointment of an educational representative for certain students with disabilities.

SB 2112	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to a reduction of the amount by which a school district with high enrollment of educationally disadvantaged students or students of limited English proficiency must reduce the district's local revenue levels in excess of entitlement under the public school finance system.

SB 2125	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to an early childhood literacy plan for students enrolled in a dual language program in a public school.

SB 2135	Author:	Blanco
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Relating to pathways to assist students in transitioning from high school to postsecondary education in cybersecurity.

 

 

SCR 17	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	02/25/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Urging Congress to repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision of the Social Security Act.

SCR 18	Author:	Nichols
	Last Action:	02/26/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Urging Congress to pass legislation that would grant licensing authority for public school bus drivers to the states.

 

 

SJR 38	Author:	Springer
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Referred to Finance
	Caption:	Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property leased to certain schools organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in educational functions.

SJR 63	Author:	Springer
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation by a school district a portion of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead.

SJR 65	Author:	Powell
	Last Action:	03/12/2021 S Filed
	Caption:	Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a credit against the ad valorem taxes imposed by a school district on the residence homesteads of certain educators who purchase school supplies.

 

 

SR 53	Author:	Lucio
	Last Action:	02/09/2021 S Reported enrolled
	Caption:	Recognizing February 1 through 7, 2021, as National School Counselor Week.

SR 129	Author:	Hughes
	Last Action:	03/11/2021 S Reported enrolled
	Caption:	Recognizing April 5 through 9, 2021, as Texas Retired Teachers Week.

 

SOURCE:

https://capitol.texas.gov/Reports/Report.aspx?LegSess=87R&ID=senatefiled

 

 Number of SBs filed as of 3-17-21:  2142

Number of SCRs filed as of 3-17-21:  32

Number of SJRs filed as of 3-17-21: 68

Number of SRs filed as of 3-17-21:  144

 

SB – Senate Bill - Bills are used to make or amend laws. To take effect, bills must be passed by both chambers of the legislature and approved by the Governor.

SCR – Senate Concurrent Resolution:  Concurrent resolutions may be used to request action from other entities, including Congress, or for memorials, congratulations, or commendations. They may also be used for administrative matters. Concurrent resolutions must be approved by both chambers, and may require approval by the Governor.

SJR – Senate Joint Resolution - Joint resolutions are used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution, to ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution or to request a convention to consider amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Joint resolutions must be approved by both chambers, but do not require approval by the Governor.

SR – Senate Resolution - Simple resolutions are only considered by their chamber of origin. They do not require approval by the Governor.

Chris Ardis retired in May of 2013 following a 29-year teaching career. She now works as a freelance writer and editor and remains committed to education, educators, and students. Chris can be reached at cardis1022@aol.com. (Photo by Linda Blackwell, McAllen.)