By: Paxton S.B. No. 2483
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of an Education Savings Account
  program.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  This Act may be cited as the Parent Empowerment
  Act.
         SECTION 2.  The purpose of this Act is to provide families
  with additional educational options to assist in exercising their
  right to direct the educational needs of their children and achieve
  a general diffusion of knowledge.
         SECTION 3.  Chapter 26, Education Code, is amended by adding
  Section 26.0025 to read as follows:
         Sec. 26.0025.  RIGHT TO SELECT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE EDUCATION.
  (a) A parent or guardian is entitled to choose the educational
  setting for the parent or guardian's child, whether public or
  private.
         (b)  If a parent or guardian chooses a private educational
  setting for the child, funding shall be directed to the child as
  provided in the manner described by Subchapter J, Chapter 29.
         SECTION 4.  Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding
  Subchapter J to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER J. EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PROGRAM
         Sec. 29.351.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
               (1)  "Account" means an Education Savings Account
  established under this subchapter.
               (2)  "Certified educational assistance organization"
  means an educational assistance organization certified under
  Section 29.355 to support administration of the program.
               (3)  "Cocurricular activity" means an activity that
  directly adds value to classroom instruction and curriculum,
  including academic field trips, performances, contests,
  demonstrations, and displays. Cocurricular activities are
  distinct from extracurricular activities, which include athletic
  and nonacademic activities.
               (4)  "Education service provider" or "vendor of
  educational products" means a person who supplies goods or services
  listed under Section 29.360(a).
               (5)  "Higher education provider" includes entities
  described by Sections 61.003(6) and (8) and accredited private
  postsecondary institutions that are exempt from taxation under
  Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. Section
  501(c)(3)).
               (6)  "Parent" means a resident of this state who is a
  natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator,
  legal guardian, custodian, or other person with legal authority to
  act on behalf of a child.
               (7)  "Program" means the Education Savings Account
  program established under this subchapter.
               (8)  "Program participant" means a child and a parent
  of a child enrolled in the program.
         Sec. 29.352.  PURPOSE. The purpose of this subchapter is to
  provide families with additional educational options to assist in
  exercising their right to direct the educational needs of their
  children.
         Sec. 29.353.  ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. The comptroller
  shall establish an Education Savings Account program to provide
  funding for approved education-related expenses of program
  participants.
         Sec. 29.354.  EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PROGRAM FUND. (a)
  The Education Savings Account program fund is an account in the
  general revenue fund to be administered by the comptroller.
         (b)  The fund is composed of:
               (1)  general revenue transferred to the fund;
               (2)  money appropriated to the fund;
               (3)  gifts, grants, and donations received under
  Section 29.370; and
               (4)  any other money available for purposes of the
  program.
         (c)  Money in the fund may be appropriated to the comptroller
  only for purposes of making payments to program participants and
  administering the program under this subchapter.
         Sec. 29.355.  SELECTION OF CERTIFIED EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
  ORGANIZATION. (a) An organization may apply to the comptroller for
  certification as a certified educational assistance organization
  during an application period established by the comptroller. The
  comptroller may certify one or more educational assistance
  organizations to assist in administering the program.
         (b)  To be eligible for certification, the applicant for
  certification as a certified educational assistance organization
  must:
               (1)  be able to perform the duties and functions
  required of a certified educational assistance organization under
  this subchapter;
               (2)  be in good standing with the state; and
               (3)  be able to assist the comptroller in administering
  the program, including having the ability to:
                     (A)  accept, process, and track applications for
  the program;
                     (B)  help prospective applicants, applicants, and
  program participants find preapproved education service providers
  and vendors of educational products; and
                     (C)  verify that program funding is used only for
  approved education-related expenses.
         (c)  A certified educational assistance organization shall
  assist the comptroller in administering the program, including by:
               (1)  administering the application process in Section
  29.357;
               (2)  helping prospective applicants, applicants, and
  program participants understand eligible expenses and find
  preapproved education service providers and vendors of educational
  products;
               (3)  expending the funds in a program participant's
  account only for purposes approved under Section 29.360; and
               (4)  publishing data and an annual report regarding:
                     (A)  the number of applications received,
  accepted, and wait-listed, disaggregated by applicant age;
                     (B)  program participant satisfaction;
                     (C)  assessment results reported under Section
  29.358(2); and
                     (D)  the number and percentage of program
  participants who, within one year after graduating from high
  school, are:
                           (i)  college ready, as indicated by earning
  a minimum of 12 non-remedial credit hours or an associate degree
  from a postsecondary educational institution;
                           (ii)  career ready, as indicated by earning
  a credential listed in the credential library established by the
  Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Higher Education
  Coordinating Board under Section 2308A.007, Government Code, or
  employment at or above the median wage in the graduate's region; or
                           (iii)  military ready, as indicated by
  achieving a passing score set by the applicable military branch on
  the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and enlisting in the
  armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard.
         Sec. 29.356.  ELIGIBLE CHILD. (a) A child is eligible to
  participate in the program if the child is eligible to attend a
  public school under Section 25.001 or 29.153(b).
         (b)  A child who establishes eligibility under this section
  may participate in the program until the earliest date on which the
  child:
               (1)  graduates from high school;
               (2)  is no longer eligible to attend a public school
  under Section 25.001 or 29.153(b);
               (3)  is entitled to the benefits of the Foundation
  School Program through enrollment in a public school; or
               (4)  is declared ineligible for the program by the
  comptroller under this subchapter.
         Sec. 29.357.  APPLICATION TO PROGRAM. (a) For the admission
  of applicants to the program, a certified educational assistance
  organization shall:
               (1)  require an applicant to complete and submit an
  application form not later than a reasonable biennial deadline
  established by the certified educational assistance organization;
  and
               (2)  on receipt of more acceptable applications for
  admission under this section than available positions in the
  program due to funding, prioritize students who are eligible for
  the free or reduced-price lunch program established under 42 U.S.C.
  Section 1751 et seq.
         (b)  A certified educational assistance organization shall
  create an application form for the program and make the application
  form readily available to interested parents through various
  sources, including the organization's Internet website. The
  application form must state the application deadline. The
  organization shall ensure that the application form is capable of
  being submitted to the organization electronically.
         (c)  A certified educational assistance organization shall
  post on the organization's Internet website an applicant and
  program participant handbook that describes the program,
  including:
               (1)  expenses allowed;
               (2)  preapproved education service providers and
  vendors of educational products;
               (3)  expense reporting requirements; and
               (4)  program participant responsibilities.
         (d)  A certified educational assistance organization shall
  annually provide to each program participant the information
  required under Subsection (c). The information may be provided
  electronically.
         (e)  A program participant in good standing may not be
  required to resubmit an application for continued participation in
  the program each year.
         (f)  A program participant may appeal any administrative
  decision made by the comptroller or a certified educational
  assistance organization pursuant to this subchapter, including
  enrollment eligibility, determinations of allowable expenses, or
  removal of the participant from the program.
         Sec. 29.358.  PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM. To receive program
  funding, a parent of an eligible child must agree to:
               (1)  spend program funds only for expenses allowed
  under Section 29.360;
               (2)  share with the certified educational assistance
  organization the results of assessments required under Section
  29.359(b)(1)(B);
               (3)  not sell items purchased under Section
  29.360(a)(2) until 12 months after the purchase; and
               (4)  notify the certified educational assistance
  organization not later than 30 days after the date on which the
  child:
                     (A)  enrolls in a public school, including an
  open-enrollment charter school;
                     (B)  graduates from high school; or
                     (C)  is no longer eligible to enroll in a public
  school under Section 25.001 or 29.153(b).
         Sec. 29.359.  PREAPPROVED PROVIDERS. (a) The comptroller
  shall by rule establish a process for the preapproval of education
  service providers and vendors of educational products for
  participation in the program. The comptroller shall require
  applicants to complete and submit an application form not later
  than a reasonable quarterly deadline.
         (b)  The comptroller shall preapprove an education service
  provider or vendor of educational products for participation in the
  program if:
               (1)  for a school, the school demonstrates:
                     (A)  accreditation by:
                           (i)  the agency;
                           (ii)  an organization recognized by the
  agency; or
                           (iii)  an organization recognized by the
  Texas Private School Accreditation Commission; and
                     (B)  annual administration of a nationally
  norm-referenced assessment instrument or the appropriate
  assessment instruments required under Subchapter B, Chapter 39;
               (2)  for a private tutor, therapist, or teaching
  service, the applicant demonstrates that:
                     (A)  the tutor or therapist or each employee who
  will provide services to a program participant:
                           (i)  is certified under Subchapter B,
  Chapter 21;
                           (ii)  holds a relevant license or
  accreditation issued by a state, regional, or national
  certification or accreditation organization; or
                           (iii)  is employed in a teaching or tutoring
  capacity by a higher education provider;
                     (B)  the tutor or therapist or each employee who
  will provide services to a program participant either:
                           (i)  completes a national criminal history
  record information review; or
                           (ii)  provides to the comptroller
  documentation indicating that the tutor, therapist, or employee, as
  applicable, has completed a national criminal history record
  information review within a period established by comptroller rule;
  and
                     (C)  the tutor or therapist or each employee who
  will provide services to a program participant is not listed on the
  registry maintained under Section 22.092; or
               (3)  for a higher education provider, the provider
  demonstrates postsecondary accreditation.
         (c)  For each private tutor, therapist, or teaching service
  who submits an application, the comptroller shall:
               (1)  review the national criminal history record
  information or documentation; and
               (2)  verify that the applicant is not listed on the
  registry maintained under Section 22.092.
         (d)  If requested by the comptroller, applicants may provide
  information to enable verification of eligibility for preapproval.
  Applicants whose eligibility cannot be verified under Subsection
  (b) may not be preapproved for participation in the program.
         (e)  Subject to Sections 29.362(e) and 29.364, at a program
  participant's direction, the comptroller shall disburse to
  preapproved providers payments directly from the participant's
  account. Disbursements may not exceed the participant's account
  balance.
         (f)  The comptroller shall by rule establish a process by
  which:
               (1)  program participants may be efficiently
  reimbursed for eligible expenses under Section 29.360(a)(2), (4),
  (5), (6), or (7) incurred from education service providers and
  vendors of educational products that are not preapproved under
  Subsection (a); and
               (2)  frequently utilized education service providers
  and vendors of educational products under Subsection (f)(1) that
  are in good standing for three continuous school years may receive
  payment directly from Education Savings Accounts.
         Sec. 29.360.  APPROVED EDUCATION-RELATED EXPENSES. (a)
  Accounts may be used only for the following expenses incurred by a
  program participant:
               (1)  tuition and fees at a preapproved school or higher
  education provider;
               (2)  textbooks, other instructional materials, or
  uniforms required by a program participant's school, institution,
  course, or program;
               (3)  fees for services provided by a private tutor or
  teaching service;
               (4)  academic assessments;
               (5)  fees for educational therapies or services for
  which the program participant may not be reimbursed or is partially
  reimbursed by private insurance or federal, state, or local
  government benefits at the time of receiving the therapies or
  services;
               (6)  fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service
  transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an
  education service provider or vendor of educational products; and
               (7)  cocurricular activities.
         (b)  Money received under the program may not be used to pay
  any person who is a member of the program participant's household.
         (c)  A finding that a program participant used money
  distributed under the program to pay for an expense not allowed
  under Subsection (a) does not affect the validity of any payment
  made by the participant for an expense that is allowed under that
  subsection.
         Sec. 29.361.  AMOUNT OF PAYMENT; FINANCING. (a) From funds
  available under Section 29.354, the comptroller shall:
               (1)  deposit into each program participant's account an
  amount that is equal to the statewide average state and local public
  school maintenance and operations revenue per student in average
  daily attendance for the prior school year; and
               (2)  reserve equal portions of funds for students who
  might apply by each biennial deadline established under Section
  29.357(a).
         (b)  Any money remaining in a child's account at the end of a
  fiscal year is carried forward to the next fiscal year unless
  another provision of this subchapter mandates the closure of the
  account.
         (c)  The ability of program participants to purchase
  educational programs, services, or products with their own account
  funds may not be infringed.
         (d)  The Education Savings Account program fund may not
  receive federal revenue or revenue from the available school fund.
         (e)  Not later than November 1 of each even-numbered year,
  the comptroller shall submit to the legislature a summary of
  program participant enrollment, an estimate of the savings accruing
  to the state as a result of the program, and an estimate of the total
  amount of funding required for the program for the following state
  fiscal biennium.
         (f)  Account funds received by program participants do not
  constitute taxable income to the parent of the participating
  student.
         Sec. 29.362.  ADMINISTRATION OF ACCOUNTS. (a) The
  comptroller shall make quarterly payments to each program
  participant's account in equal amounts on or before the first day of
  July, October, January, and April.
         (b)  Each year, the comptroller may deduct an amount from the
  total amount of money allocated to the Education Savings Account
  program fund to cover the cost of administering the program. The
  amount deducted may not exceed three percent of annual program
  funds.
         (c)  Each quarter, the comptroller shall disburse to a
  certified educational assistance organization an amount from the
  total amount of money allocated to the Education Savings Account
  program fund to cover the organization's cost of administering the
  program. The amount disbursed each year may not exceed five percent
  of annual program funds.
         (d)  Before payments are made under Subsection (a) in October
  and April, the certified educational assistance organization
  shall:
               (1)  verify with the agency that a program participant
  is not entitled to the benefits of the Foundation School Program
  through enrollment in a public school; and
               (2)  notify the comptroller if the organization
  determines that a program participant is enrolled in a public
  school, including an open-enrollment charter school, and entitled
  to the benefits of the Foundation School Program.
         (e)  On the date on which a program participant is no longer
  eligible to participate in the program under Section 29.356, the
  comptroller shall close the program participant's account and
  return any remaining revenue to the Education Savings Account
  program fund.
         Sec. 29.363.  RANDOM AUDITING. (a) The comptroller may
  contract with a private entity to randomly audit accounts and a
  certified educational assistance organization as necessary to
  ensure compliance with applicable law and program requirements.
         (b)  In conducting an audit, the comptroller or private
  entity may require that a program participant or a certified
  educational assistance organization provide additional information
  and documentation regarding any payment made with program funds.
         (c)  The private entity shall report to the comptroller any
  violation of this subchapter or other relevant law found by the
  entity during an audit conducted under this section. The
  comptroller shall report the violation to the:
               (1)  certified educational assistance organization;
               (2)  education service provider or vendor of
  educational products, as applicable; and
               (3)  parents of affected program participants.
         Sec. 29.364.  SUSPENSION OF ACCOUNT. (a) The comptroller
  shall suspend the account of a program participant who fails to
  remain in good standing by complying with applicable law or program
  requirements.
         (b)  On suspension of an account under Subsection (a), the
  comptroller shall notify the program participant in writing that
  the account has been suspended and that no additional payments may
  be made from the account. The notification must specify the grounds
  for the suspension and state that the participant has 30 business
  days to respond and take any corrective action required by the
  comptroller.
         (c)  On the expiration of the 30th business day under
  Subsection (b), the comptroller shall:
               (1)  order closure of the suspended account;
               (2)  order temporary reinstatement of the account,
  conditioned on the performance of a specified action by the program
  participant; or
               (3)  order full reinstatement of the account.
         (d)  If the program participant's account is suspended or
  closed under this section, the comptroller may recover from the
  participant or other entity money distributed to the account that
  was used for expenses not allowed under Section 29.360.
         Sec. 29.365.  TUITION AND FEES; REFUND PROHIBITED. (a)  An
  education service provider or vendor of educational products may
  not charge a program participant an amount greater than the amount
  charged for that product or service by the provider or vendor to an
  individual who is not a program participant.
         (b)  An education service provider or a vendor of educational
  products receiving money distributed under the program may not in
  any manner rebate, refund, credit to, or share with a program
  participant, or any person on behalf of a participant, any program
  funds paid or owed by the participant to the provider or vendor.
         Sec. 29.366.  REFERRAL TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY. If the
  comptroller or a certified educational assistance organization
  obtains evidence of fraudulent use of an account, the comptroller
  or organization shall notify the district attorney with
  jurisdiction over the residence of the program participant.
         Sec. 29.367.  SPECIAL EDUCATION NOTICE. (a) A certified
  educational assistance organization shall post on the
  organization's Internet website and provide to each parent who
  submits an application for the program a notice that:
               (1)  a private school is not subject in the same manner
  as a public school to federal and state laws regarding the provision
  of educational services to a child with a disability; and
               (2)  provides information regarding rights to which a
  child with a disability is entitled under federal and state law if
  the child attends a public school, including:
                     (A)  rights provided under the Individuals with
  Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.); and
                     (B)  rights provided under Subchapter A.
         (b)  A private school in which a program participant with a
  disability enrolls shall provide to the child's parent a copy of the
  notice required under Subsection (a).
         Sec. 29.368.  PROGRAM PARTICIPANT, PROVIDER, AND VENDOR
  AUTONOMY. (a) Receiving funds from the program does not make an
  education service provider or vendor of educational products a
  recipient of federal financial assistance.
         (b)  A rule or other action by any person, governmental body,
  court of law, or administrator of the program shall not, in any
  matter related to the program:
               (1)  limit the independence or autonomy of an education
  service provider;
               (2)  deem the actions of an education service provider
  to be the actions of the state government or make the education
  service provider a state actor;
               (3)  impose any additional regulation on education
  service providers beyond those necessary to enforce the
  requirements of the program;
               (4)  require an education service provider to modify
  its creed, practices, admissions policies, curriculum, performance
  standards, employment policies, or assessments to accept
  recipients of funds from the program;
               (5)  take any action that limits an education service
  provider in determining how to educate its students or in
  exercising its religious or institutional values; or
               (6)  take any action that imposes an obligation on the
  education service provider to act contrary to its religious or
  institutional values.
         (c)  With regard to a program participant who is not enrolled
  in an accredited school, a rule or other action by any person,
  governmental body, court of law, or administrator of the program
  may not, in any matter related to the program:
               (1)  limit the independence or autonomy of the program
  participant;
               (2)  deem the actions of the program participant to be
  the actions of the state government or make the program participant
  a state actor;
               (3)  impose any additional regulation on the program
  participant beyond what is necessary to enforce the requirements of
  the program;
               (4)  require the program participant to modify their
  creed, practices, admissions policies, curriculum, performance
  standards, employment policies, or assessments to accept
  recipients of funds from the program;
               (5)  take any action that limits the program
  participant in determining their educational content or in
  exercising religious values; or
               (6)  take any action that imposes an obligation on the
  program participant to act contrary to their religious values.
         (d)  In any proceeding challenging a rule adopted under the
  authority of or related to this subchapter, the state agency,
  officer, or other person adopting the rule has the burden of proof
  to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the rule:
               (1)  is necessary to implement the program;
               (2)  does not violate this section;
               (3)  does not impose an undue burden on a program
  participant or an education service provider or vendor of
  educational products that participates or applies to participate in
  the program; and
               (4)  is the least restrictive means of accomplishing
  the intended purposes, while at the same time recognizing the
  independence of education service providers or vendors of
  educational products to meet the educational needs of their
  students in accordance with their religious or institutional
  values.
         Sec. 29.369.  STUDENT RECORDS AND INFORMATION. (a) On
  request by the parent of a child participating or seeking to
  participate in the program, the school district or open-enrollment
  charter school that the child would otherwise attend shall provide
  a copy of the child's school records possessed by the district or
  school, if any, to the child's parent or, if applicable, the private
  school the child attends or is seeking to attend.
         (b)  As necessary to verify eligibility for the program, the
  agency shall provide to a certified educational assistance
  organization any information available to the agency requested by
  the organization regarding a program participant or applicant. The
  certified educational assistance organization may not retain
  information provided under this subsection beyond the period
  necessary to determine a child's eligibility to participate in the
  program.
         Sec. 29.370.  GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The comptroller
  and a certified educational assistance organization may solicit and
  accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private
  source for any expenses related to the program, including
  establishing the program.
         Sec. 29.371.  RULES; PROCEDURES. (a) The comptroller shall
  adopt rules and procedures as necessary to implement, administer,
  and enforce this subchapter. The comptroller may adopt the initial
  rules in the manner provided by law for emergency rules.
         (b)  A rule adopted under Subsection (a) is binding on an
  organization that applies for certification as an educational
  assistance organization and a state or local governmental entity,
  including a political subdivision.
         Sec. 29.372.  RULES; PROCEDURES. The comptroller shall
  adopt rules and procedures as necessary to implement, administer,
  and enforce this subchapter. The comptroller may adopt the initial
  rules in the manner provided by law for emergency rules.
         Sec. 29.373.  PARENTAL AND STUDENT RIGHT TO INTERVENE IN
  CIVIL ACTION. (a) A child, a parent, and education service
  providers or vendors of educational products who are eligible to
  participate in the program may intervene in any civil action
  challenging the constitutionality of the program.
         (b)  A court in which a civil action described by Subsection
  (a) is filed may require that all children and parents of children
  who are eligible to participate in the program wishing to intervene
  in the action file a joint brief. Children and parents of children
  who are eligible to participate in the program may not be required
  to join a brief filed on behalf of the state or a state agency.
         Sec. 29.374.  VENUE, STANDING, AND PROCEDURE IN LEGAL
  PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THE PROGRAM. (a)  Any question regarding
  the constitutionality or other validity under the state or federal
  constitution of all or any part of this subchapter may be determined
  in any state district court in which the violation is alleged to
  have occurred or where the claimant resides or has its principal
  place of business.
         (b)  An organization or parent of an eligible child who is
  adversely affected or aggrieved by a determination or order made by
  the comptroller or a certified educational assistance organization
  under this subchapter may obtain a review of such determination or
  order in any state district court in which the child resides or
  where the organization has its principal place of business.
         (c)  An order or judgment, however characterized, of a trial
  court granting or denying a temporary or otherwise interlocutory
  injunction or a permanent injunction on the grounds of the
  constitutionality or unconstitutionality, or other validity or
  invalidity, under the state or federal constitution of all or any
  part of this subchapter may be reviewed only by direct appeal to the
  Supreme Court of Texas filed not later than the 15th day after entry
  of the order or judgment. All appeals shall be heard and determined
  by the district court and the Supreme Court of Texas as
  expeditiously as possible with lawful precedence over other
  matters. Such a direct appeal is an accelerated appeal.
         (d)  The filing of a direct appeal under this section will
  automatically stay any temporary or otherwise interlocutory
  injunction or permanent injunction pending final determination by
  the Supreme Court of Texas, unless the supreme court makes specific
  findings that the applicant seeking such injunctive relief has
  pleaded and proved that:
               (1)  the applicant has a probable right to the relief it
  seeks on final hearing;
               (2)  the applicant will suffer a probable injury that
  is imminent and irreparable, and that the applicant has no other
  legal remedy; and
               (3)  maintaining the injunction is in the public
  interest.
         (e)  An appeal under this section, including an
  interlocutory, accelerated, or direct appeal, is governed, as
  applicable, by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including
  Rules 25.1(d)(6), 28.1, 32.1(g), 37.3(a)(1), 38.6(a) and (b),
  40.1(b), and 49.4.
         (f)  This section does not authorize an award of attorney's
  fees against this state, and Section 37.009, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, does not apply to an action filed under this section.
         SECTION 5.  Section 411.109, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
         (c)  The comptroller is entitled to obtain criminal history
  record information maintained by the department about a person who
  is a private tutor, a therapist, or an employee of a teaching
  service or school who intends to provide educational services to a
  child participating in the program established under Subchapter J,
  Chapter 29, Education Code.
         SECTION 6.  Section 22.092(d), Education Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (d)  The agency shall provide equivalent access to the
  registry maintained under this section to:
               (1)  private schools;
               (2)  public schools; [and]
               (3)  nonprofit teacher organizations approved by the
  commissioner for the purpose of participating in the tutoring
  program established under Section 33.913; and
               (4)  the comptroller, for the purpose of preapproving
  education service providers and vendors of educational products as
  required under Section 29.359.
         SECTION 7.  Not later than November 15, 2023, the
  comptroller of public accounts shall adopt rules as provided by
  Section 29.372, Education Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 8.  The comptroller of public accounts is required
  to implement a provision of this Act only if the legislature
  appropriates money specifically for that purpose or funds are
  provided through gifts, grants, or donations. If the legislature
  does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose and funds
  are not provided through gifts, grants, or donations, the
  comptroller may, but is not required to, implement this Act using
  other appropriations available for that purpose.
         SECTION 9.  (a)  Any question regarding the
  constitutionality or other validity under the state or federal
  constitution of all or any part of Subchapter J, Chapter 29,
  Education Code, as added by this Act, may be determined in any state
  district court in which the violation is alleged to have occurred or
  where the claimant resides or has its principal place of business.
         (b)  An organization or parent of an eligible child who is
  adversely affected or aggrieved by a determination or order made by
  the comptroller or a certified educational assistance organization
  under Subchapter J, Chapter 29, Education Code, as added by this Act
  may obtain a review of such order in any state district court in
  which the child resides or where the organization has its principal
  place of business.
         (c)  An order, however characterized, of a trial court
  granting or denying a temporary or otherwise interlocutory
  injunction or a permanent injunction on the grounds of the
  constitutionality or unconstitutionality, or other validity or
  invalidity, under the state or federal constitution of all or any
  part of Subchapter J, Chapter 29, Education Code, as added by this
  Act, may be reviewed only by direct appeal to the Supreme Court of
  Texas filed within 15 days after entry of judgment. All appeals
  shall be heard and determined by the district court and the Supreme
  Court of Texas as expeditiously as possible with lawful precedence
  over other matters.
         (d)  The direct appeal is an accelerated appeal.
         (e)  This section exercises the authority granted by Section
  3-b, Article V, of the Texas Constitution.
         (f)  The filing of a direct appeal under this section will
  automatically stay any temporary or otherwise interlocutory
  injunction or permanent injunction granted in accordance with this
  section pending final determination by the Texas Supreme Court,
  unless the supreme court makes specific findings that the applicant
  seeking such injunctive relief has pleaded and proved that:
               (1)  the applicant has a probable right to the relief it
  seeks on final hearing;
               (2)  the applicant will suffer a probable injury that
  is imminent and irreparable, and that the applicant has no other
  legal remedy; and
               (3)  maintaining the injunction is in the public
  interest.
         (g)  An appeal under this section, including an
  interlocutory, accelerated, or direct appeal, is governed, as
  applicable, by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including
  Rules 25.1(d)(6), 28.1, 32.1(g), 37.3(a)(1), 38.6(a) and (b),
  40.1(b), and 49.4.
         (h)  This section does not authorize an award of attorneys'
  fees against this state and Section 37.009, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, does not apply to an action filed under this section.
         SECTION 10.  It is the intent of the legislature that every
  provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word
  in this Act, and every application of the provisions in this Act to
  each person or entity, are severable from each other. If any
  application of any provision in this Act to any person, group of
  persons, or circumstances is found by a court to be invalid for any
  reason, the remaining applications of that provision to all other
  persons and circumstances shall be severed and may not be affected.
         SECTION 11.  This Act takes effect immediately if it
  receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each
  house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate
  effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.