SB 859 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to authorization and reimbursement for certain examination fee subsidies paid for public school teachers and students.

SB 859 allows public school districts to be reimbursed by the state for fees paid to cover certification exams for teachers and students in career and technology education. The bill amends Texas Education Code sections to specify that teachers qualify for a subsidy only after passing a relevant certification exam, and students may receive only one such subsidy. School districts pay the exam fees upfront but can claim reimbursement for each subsidy under Section 29.190(a). This policy directly affects educators seeking career/tech certifications and public school districts funding these exams. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2025 Last action Feb 13, 2025
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Total actions
4
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Committee
1
Feb 13, 2025
Committee
Referred to Education K-16
upper
Feb 13, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
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P
Photo of Charles Schwertner
Charles Schwertner
RRepublican
TX
5