HB591 - Relating to the establishment of community-based learning centers to serve public school students.

  89R3728 MEW-D     By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 591       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the establishment of community-based learning centers   to serve public school students.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 33, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 33.912 to read as follows:           Sec.   33.912.     COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING CENTERS. (a) In   this section, "center" means a community-based learning center   established under Subsection (b).           (b)     The agency shall establish, in collaboration with   faith-based nonprofit organizations, a program for the development   and operation of community-based learning centers in various school   districts to provide students who qualify for compensatory   education, as determined by the commissioner, with access to:                 (1)  technology;                 (2)  tutoring services;                 (3)  mentoring services;                 (4)  social and emotional support;                 (5)  outdoor activities;                 (6)  art;                 (7)  sports; and                 (8)     individually designed services and supports that   may include treatment services, personal support services, or any   other support necessary to improve academic and social outcomes for   a student, as determined by a center.           (c)     The agency shall adopt minimum training and skills   requirements that each individual providing services through the   center must satisfy.           (d)     From money appropriated for the purpose, the agency   shall pay the costs for developing and operating a center.   The   agency shall actively seek federal grants or money to pay costs   associated with the establishment and operation of each center.           (e)     The agency by rule shall establish a procedure for   distributing money to a school district or other appropriate entity   approved by the agency to establish and operate or contract for the   operation of a center.           (f)     In addition to money appropriated by the legislature,   the agency may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source   for establishing the program.           (g)     The agency may adopt rules as necessary to implement   this section, including rules regarding an application process and   eligibility criteria to develop and operate a center.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.