On Monday, June 2, the regular session of the 89th Legislature came to an end, with dealmaking on high-impact pre-K-12 and higher education bills happening until the bitter end.
There is much to unpack and process in the bills making their way to the governor’s desk; several pieces of major legislation effectively will rewrite large portions of the education code and change how our schools, colleges, and universities operate.
Over the summer, Texas AFT will break down those impacts weekly in the Hotline, and how they pertain to the 10 essential rights our members outlined in the Educator’s Bill of Rights. For now, though, here are some key items to be aware of.
House Bill 2: A First Step Toward Fair School Funding
After years of stagnation and missed opportunities, the Legislature has finally taken a step forward with House Bill 2, a comprehensive school finance bill that responds to many of the urgent needs raised by Texas AFT members. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill on Wednesday, June 4, traveling to Salado Middle School;notably, it was Abbott’s first documented visit to any Texas public school in more than two years.
This bill comes after the failed voucher standoff of 2023, when $4.5 billion in school funding was held hostage and never released — leading to layoffs, school closures, and program cuts across the state. HB 2 now allocates $8.5 billion in total public education investments, including long-overdue raises including a new allotment for support personnel, and targeted relief for the fixed costs that districts can no longer shoulder alone.
While HB 2 doesn’t increase the basic allotment, it introduces a new mechanism — the Allotment for Basic Costs (ABC) — that begins to fill the gap left by years of underinvestment. The Senate’s approach to HB 2 was distinctly different than previous funding legislation, but we’re cautiously optimistic that these targeted investments will bear fruit for educators that have been caught in the middle of political maneuvering for far too long.
Key Highlights from HB 2
New $1.3 Billion Allotment for Basic Costs
Helps districts cover core expenses like transportation, insurance, utilities, retirement contributions, and payroll taxes. Crucially, this funding is targeted — aimed at directly supporting school operations and employees, not central office overhead.
Raises for Teachers & Support Staff
Nearly half of HB 2’s funding goes to across-the-board pay raises:
- Districts under 5,000 students:
- $4,000 raise for teachers with 3–4 years’ experience (across any district, not just your current one)
- $8,000 raise for those with 5+ years
- Districts with 5,000+ students:
- $2,500 and $5,000 raises for the same groups
- $500 million is dedicated to raises for support staff, including bus drivers, custodians, aides, nurses, and counselors — marking an important recognition of their vital roles
Special Education Investment
Responding to concerns from our members, HB 2 includes $850 million for special education programs and evaluation reimbursements — critical support in a system that too often leaves vulnerable students and their educators behind.
Other Notable Investments
- $2.2 billion for early literacy and career and technical education (CTE)
- Expansion of the early education allotment to support full-day pre-K
- Eligibility for free full-day pre-K for the children of Texas educators
- Teacher preparation support to phase out uncertified teachers in core content areas by 2030
- Relief for coastal districts facing skyrocketing insurance costs
What’s Next
Texas AFT fought to ensure this bill didn’t leave educators or support staff behind — and while it’s not perfect, HB 2 is a clear improvement over earlier proposals and reflects the progress our members made possible by demanding better.
Still, this is just a first step. We’ll continue to press lawmakers to build on this funding in 2027 and beyond. A one-time infusion can’t undo years of erosion, but it can be the foundation for a stronger, better-funded future for Texas public schools.
In the meantime, local advocacy will be required. Districts are already deep into budget planning for the 2025-2026 school year; some may have adopted budgets in May before the law passed. Therefore, decisions about additional compensation will need to be made very quickly.
While HB 2 is fairly clear about teacher retention pay, not all support staff positions are specifically named in the new statute. Members will need to stay tuned in to those ongoing budget discussions to ensure that the new Support Staff Allotment dollars flow to those they are intended to help: our invaluable support personnel.
School Vouchers: A New Era Begins
Senate Bill 2 establishes a $1 billion school voucher program, allowing families to use public funds for private school tuition and homeschooling expenses. The program offers up to $10,000 per student annually and is set to begin in the 2026 school year.
We continue to argue that this initiative diverts essential resources from public schools, potentially exacerbating educational inequalities. Texas AFT will watch closely as this program is implemented and watch out for the corruption and graft endemic to other school voucher programs. Texas AFT is also continuing to monitor attempts to develop a national voucher program.
HB 4: But I thought they got rid of STAAR?
Toward the end of the legislative session, negotiations over HB 4 — aimed at replacing the STAAR test — collapsed when the Texas Senate’s version stripped out key House provisions and handed the Texas Education Agency commissioner broad authority to decide which of three interim exams would count toward school accountability ratings.
House Public Education Committee member Rep. Gina Hinojosa publicly blasted the Senate on social media, accusing them of “gutting” the bill and executing a “power play” that undermined local control and transparency. In response, the bill conference committee’s Senate Chair Sen. Paul Bettencourt defended the revisions on his own channels, arguing that granting the commissioner flexibility was necessary to resolve ongoing legal challenges around ratings and ensure continuity in accountability.
In consultation with our members, Texas AFT sent a letter to lawmakers urging them to stick with the House’s version.
The House wanted firm timelines and local oversight, while the Senate insisted on commissioner discretion. As a result, both chambers were forced into a conference committee, with each side holding fast to its version and neither willing to concede. Therefore, educators and students will continue to labor under the STAAR regime and anticipate interim charges and hearings that will contribute to a re-write in the 90th legislative session in 2027.
Religion in the Classroom: New Laws Spark Debate
The 89th Texas Legislature passed two high-profile bills that expand religious expression in public schools, raising constitutional concerns and prompting legal challenges.
Senate Bill 10: Mandatory Display of the Ten Commandments
SB 10 mandates that all public school classrooms display a framed or poster-sized copy of the Ten Commandments, measuring at least 16 by 20 inches, in a legible typeface. Schools must accept privately donated displays that meet these specifications. The law does not allocate state funding for these materials, leaving districts to rely on donations or local funds. The bill is set to take effect in the 2025–2026 school year.
Critics argue that this law violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, along with other advocacy groups, plans to sue the state over this legislation, citing concerns about religious coercion and the marginalization of non-Christian students.
Senate Bill 11: Optional Daily Prayer or Religious Study Period
SB 11 allows school districts to adopt policies providing a daily period for students and staff to engage in prayer or religious study. Participation requires parental consent, and any religious activities must not be conducted over loudspeakers or in the presence of students without consent. Districts are required to vote on whether to implement this policy within six months of the law’s effective date, Sept. 1, 2025.
While supporters view this as a reinforcement of religious freedom, opponents raise concerns about potential peer pressure and the blurring of lines between church and state in public education. Local organizing within districts will be needed to prevent the implementation of such policies.
‘Parental Rights’ & ‘Library Oversight’: Senate Bill 12 & Senate Bill 13
The Legislature passed two major bills this session — SB 12 and SB 13 — that reshape how library materials are selected and how parents engage with schools.
SB 12: Expanding parental access or government overreach?
SB 12 broadens parental rights in K-12 education, but does so at the expense of student privacy and placing hefty administrative requirements on districts:
- Parental Authority: The bill affirms that parents have the right to direct the moral and religious training of their children, make decisions concerning their education, and consent to medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment. Parental consent will be required before a student may join any school club.
- Access to Educational Materials: School districts are required to provide parents with access to all teaching materials, instructional materials, and other teaching aids used in the classroom, including those used in virtual or remote learning. This has the potential to create a heavy administrative burden on teachers.
- Parental Engagement Policies: Each school board must develop a parental engagement policy that includes an internet portal for parents to submit comments to administrators and the board, mandates that public comments be prioritized at board meetings, and requires meetings to be held outside typical work hours.
- Prohibition on “DEI” Duties: The bill prohibits public schools from assigning diversity, equity, and inclusion duties to any person, unless necessary to comply with state or federal antidiscrimination laws. Districts must adopt a policy and procedure for the appropriate discipline, including termination, of a district employee or contractor who engages in or assigns “DEI duties.” The bill also found a way to ban LGBTQ+ clubs in schools, which is a manufactured “solution” from this Legislature in want of a problem, wasting time and taxpayer dollars in the process.
- Grievance Procedures: School districts are mandated to adopt grievance policies that address complaints concerning violations of parental rights, with provisions for appeals and potential investigations by TEA.
Supporters say it boosts transparency, and in several ways, it does. Transparency and access are critical components of the trusted relationships we must develop in education. Opponents caution it may fuel censorship, restrict inclusive education, and break down trusted teacher-student bonds. Texas AFT will monitor how these changes affect educators and students and continue advocating for inclusive, well-resourced schools.
SB 13: Shifting Library Control
SB 13 gives local school boards and newly created parent-led advisory councils the power to approve or reject library materials. It also allows any community member to challenge a book, which must be restricted during the review process. Critics warn this could sideline librarians and limit access to diverse books.
- Shifts Control: SB 13 transfers library materials selection from trained librarians to school boards and parent‐led councils.
- Parent Councils: A petition of 50 parents (or 10% of district parents) forms a Local School Library Advisory Council (LSLAC) to review new or challenged books.
- Challenge Process: Any community member can challenge a title, triggering its removal during a council or board review (typically several weeks).
- Vague Standards: “Indecent,” “profane,” or “not in line with community values” aren’t clearly defined, inviting subjective bans.
- Concerns: Critics warn it sidelines librarian expertise, empowers small groups to censor diverse perspectives, and delays student access.
Looking Ahead
While the session delivered some positive outcomes, such as increased funding and support staff raises, the introduction of school vouchers and changes in educational governance raise concerns about the long-term implications for public education in Texas.
Texas AFT remains committed to advocating for equitable, well-funded public schools and will continue to monitor the implementation of these legislative changes.
Stay informed and engaged with Texas AFT as we navigate these developments together.
Join one of our upcoming “Summer School” webinars to get need-to-know information before your return to school in the fall.
- July 15: Federal Education Policy Updates
- July 29: Higher Education Policy Updates
- Aug. 12: K-12 Education Policy Updates
Register for one or all of these sessions on our Mobilize page.