Relating to creation and funding of professional charter academies which are owned and operated by highly qualified teaching professionals in Texas and authorizing the commissioner of education to adopt rules to administer and fund the professional charter academy program.

HB 1278 creates a new type of Texas public school called "professional charter academies," operated exclusively by teachers meeting specific qualifications. To qualify, educators must have at least five years of classroom experience with a "proficient" or higher rating, or three years as a school principal. These academies must be 100% owned by operating teachers, with founders responsible for initial startup funding before state funds become available after the first full school year. The bill exempts these schools from most charter school regulations, subjecting them only to standards set by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission.