87R2922 KKR-D
	By: Krause	H.B. No. 2662

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the elimination of certain regulations waived during
	the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	ARTICLE 1. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE
	SECTION 1.01.  Chapter 1, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
	amended by adding Section 1.021 to read as follows:
	Sec. 1.021.  CONSTRUCTION OF CODE: DELIVERY OF CERTAIN
	MERCHANDISE. Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of this
	code may not be construed to prohibit the delivery of food and other
	merchandise to a grocery store using a vehicle owned or operated by
	a person holding a permit or license under this code.
	SECTION 1.02.  Section 6.04(a), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, for
	[the holder of] a license or permit issued under this code that
	expires after March 1, 2020, the holder of the license or permit may
	renew the license or permit rather than reapply for an original
	license or permit if, anytime [not later than the 30th day] after
	the date of the expiration of the license or permit, the holder
	files a renewal application and the required license or permit fee
	with the commission [and pays a late fee] as provided by rules of
	the commission. The commission may not charge a late fee for a
	renewal application filed in accordance with this subsection.
	SECTION 1.03.  The heading to Section 28.1001, Alcoholic
	Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 28.1001.  PICKUP AND [OFF-PREMISES] DELIVERY OF
	ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR OFF-PREMISES CONSUMPTION.
	SECTION 1.04.  Section 28.1001, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
	amended by amending Subsections (a), (c), and (d) and adding
	Subsections (a-1), (a-2), and (e) to read as follows:
	(a)  In this section:
	(1)  "Passenger area of a motor vehicle" has the
	meaning assigned by Section 49.031, Penal Code.
	(2)  "Tamper-proof container" means a closed cup or
	similar container that is sealed with tape and placed into a bag
	that has been sealed with a zip tie.
	(a-1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the
	holder of a mixed beverage permit may deliver, or have delivered by
	a third party, including an independent contractor acting under
	Chapter 57, an alcoholic beverage from the permitted premises to an
	ultimate consumer located off-premises and in an area where the
	sale of the beverage is legal if:
	(1)  [the holder of the mixed beverage permit holds a
	food and beverage certificate for the permitted premises;
	[(2)  the delivery of the alcoholic beverage is made as
	part of the delivery of food prepared at the permitted premises;
	[(3)]  the alcoholic beverage is:
	(A)  a malt beverage [beer, ale,] or wine
	delivered in an original container sealed by the manufacturer; or
	(B)  an alcoholic beverage other than a malt
	beverage [beer, ale,] or wine that:
	(i)  is[,] delivered in an original,
	single-serving container sealed by the manufacturer and not larger
	than 375 milliliters; or
	(ii)  the permit holder mixes with other
	beverages and stores in a tamper-proof container that is clearly
	labeled with the permit holder's business name and the words
	"alcoholic beverage"; and
	(2) [(4)]  the delivery is not made to another [a]
	premises that is permitted or licensed under this code.
	(a-2)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the
	holder of a mixed beverage permit may allow an ultimate consumer to
	pick up an alcoholic beverage described by Subsection (a-1)(1) and
	remove the beverage from the permitted premises.
	(c)  An alcoholic beverage picked up or [may be] delivered
	under this section may be provided only to a person who is 21 years
	of age or older after the person picking up the alcoholic beverage
	or accepting the delivery presents valid proof of identity and age
	and:
	(1)  the person picking up the alcoholic beverage or
	accepting the delivery personally signs a receipt, which may be
	electronic, acknowledging the pickup or delivery; or
	(2)  the person providing the beverage for pickup or
	making the delivery acknowledges the completion of the pickup or
	delivery through a software application.
	(d)  This section does not authorize the holder of a brewpub
	license who also holds a wine and malt beverage [beer] retailer's
	permit to deliver alcoholic beverages directly to ultimate
	consumers for off-premise consumption at a location other than the
	licensed premises.
	(e)  A person who picks up or delivers an alcoholic beverage
	described by Subsection (a-1)(1)(B)(ii) may not transport the
	alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle.
	ARTICLE 2. EDUCATION CODE
	SECTION 2.01.  Section 18.006(b), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  In addition to other factors determined to be
	appropriate by the commissioner, the accountability system must
	include consideration of:
	(1)  student performance on the [end-of-course]
	assessment instruments administered under [required by] Section
	39.023(c); and
	(2)  dropout rates, including dropout rates and diploma
	program completion rates for the grade levels served by the diploma
	program.
	SECTION 2.02.  Section 25.005(b), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  A reciprocity agreement must:
	(1)  address procedures for:
	(A)  transferring student records;
	(B)  awarding credit for completed course work;
	and
	(C)  permitting a student to satisfy the
	requirements of Section 39.025 through successful performance on
	comparable [end-of-course or other exit-level] assessment
	instruments administered in another state; and
	(2)  include appropriate criteria developed by the
	agency.
	SECTION 2.03.  Section 28.014(a), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  Each school district shall partner with at least one
	institution of higher education to develop and provide courses in
	college preparatory mathematics and English language arts. The
	courses must be designed:
	(1)  for students at the 12th grade level whose
	performance on:
	(A)  an [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	administered [required] under Section 39.023(c) does not meet
	college readiness standards; or
	(B)  coursework, a college entrance examination,
	or an assessment instrument designated under Section 51.334
	indicates that the student is not ready to perform entry-level
	college coursework; and
	(2)  to prepare students for success in entry-level
	college courses.
	SECTION 2.04.  Section 28.0211(o), Education Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(o)  This section does not require the administration of
	a fifth [or eighth] grade assessment instrument in a subject under
	Section 39.023(a) to a student enrolled in the fifth [or eighth]
	grade[, as applicable,] if the student[:
	[(1)]  is enrolled in a course in the subject intended
	for students above the student's grade level and will be
	administered an assessment instrument adopted or developed under
	Section 39.023(a) that aligns with the curriculum for the course in
	which the student is enrolled[; or
	[(2)  is enrolled in a course in the subject for which
	the student will receive high school academic credit and will be
	administered an end-of-course assessment instrument adopted under
	Section 39.023(c) for the course].
	SECTION 2.05.  Section 28.023(c), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(c)  A school district shall give a student in grade level
	six or above credit for a subject on the basis of an examination for
	credit in the subject approved by the board of trustees under
	Subsection (a) if the student scores in the 80th percentile or above
	on the examination or if the student achieves a score as provided by
	Subsection (c-1). If a student is given credit in a subject on the
	basis of an examination, the district shall enter the examination
	score on the student's transcript [and the student is not required
	to take an end-of-course assessment instrument adopted under
	Section 39.023(c) for that subject].
	SECTION 2.06.  Sections 28.025(b-4) and (c-8), Education
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b-4)  A school district may offer the curriculum described
	in Subsections (b-1)(1) through (4) in an applied manner.  Courses
	delivered in an applied manner must cover the essential knowledge
	and skills[, and the student shall be administered the applicable
	end-of-course assessment instrument as provided by Sections
	39.023(c) and 39.025].
	(c-8)  For purposes of Subsection (c-7), the admission,
	review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education
	program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether the
	student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on an
	[end-of-course] assessment instrument administered under Section
	39.023(c) to earn an endorsement on the student's transcript.
	SECTION 2.07.  Section 28.0255, Education Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (g) and (h) and adding Subsection (g-1) to
	read as follows:
	(g)  A student entering the ninth grade for the first time
	beginning with the 2021-2022 school year is entitled to a high
	school diploma if the student:
	(1)  successfully complies with the curriculum
	requirements specified under Subsection (e); and
	(2)  performs satisfactorily, as determined by the
	commissioner under Subsection (h), on each [end-of-course]
	assessment instrument selected [instruments listed] under Section
	39.023(c) by the school district [for courses] in which the student
	is [was] enrolled.
	(g-1)  A student other than a student described by Subsection
	(g) is entitled to a high school diploma if the student:
	(1)  successfully complies with the curriculum
	requirements specified under Subsection (e); and
	(2)  performs satisfactorily, as determined by the
	commissioner under Subsection (h), on:
	(A)  each assessment instrument selected under
	Section 39.023(c) by the school district in which the student is
	enrolled; or
	(B)  assessment instruments listed under Section
	39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by _.B. ___,
	Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, for courses in
	which the student was enrolled.
	(h)  For purposes of Subsections [Subsection] (g)(2) and
	(g-1)(2), the commissioner shall determine the level of
	satisfactory performance on applicable [end-of-course] assessment
	instruments administered to a student.
	SECTION 2.08.  Section 28.0258, Education Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (a), (b), (f), (h), (j), and (k) and adding
	Subsections (m) and (n) to read as follows:
	(a)  This section applies only to an 11th or 12th grade
	student who has failed to comply with the [end-of-course]
	assessment instrument performance requirements under Section
	39.025 for not more than two subjects identified under Section
	39.023(c) [courses].
	(b)  For each student to whom this section applies, the
	school district that the student attends shall establish an
	individual graduation committee at the end of or after the
	student's 11th grade year to determine whether the student may
	qualify to graduate as provided by this section. A student may not
	qualify to graduate under this section before the student's 12th
	grade year. The committee shall be composed of:
	(1)  the principal or principal's designee;
	(2)  for each subject identified under Section
	39.023(c) for [end-of-course assessment instrument on] which the
	student failed to perform satisfactorily on the appropriate
	corresponding required assessment instrument, a [the] teacher of
	the student in that subject, designated by the principal [course];
	(3)  the department chair or lead teacher supervising
	the teacher described by Subdivision (2); and
	(4)  as applicable:
	(A)  the student's parent or person standing in
	parental relation to the student;
	(B)  a designated advocate described by
	Subsection (c) if the person described by Paragraph (A) is unable to
	serve; or
	(C)  the student, at the student's option, if the
	student is at least 18 years of age or is an emancipated minor.
	(f)  Notwithstanding any other law, a student's individual
	graduation committee established under this section shall
	recommend additional requirements by which the student may qualify
	to graduate, including:
	(1)  additional remediation; and
	(2)  for each [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	required under Section 39.023(c) on which the student failed to
	perform satisfactorily:
	(A)  the completion of a project related to the
	subject area [of the course] that demonstrates proficiency in the
	subject area; or
	(B)  the preparation of a portfolio of work
	samples in the subject area [of the course], including work samples
	[from the course] that demonstrate proficiency in the subject area.
	(h)  In determining whether a student for whom an individual
	graduation committee is established is qualified to graduate, the
	committee shall consider:
	(1)  the recommendation of the student's teacher in
	each course of the subject for which the student failed to perform
	satisfactorily on an [end-of-course] assessment instrument;
	(2)  the student's grade in each course of the subject
	for which the student failed to perform satisfactorily on an
	[end-of-course] assessment instrument;
	(3)  the student's score on each [end-of-course]
	assessment instrument required under Section 39.023(c) on which the
	student failed to perform satisfactorily;
	(4)  the student's performance on any additional
	requirements recommended by the committee under Subsection (f);
	(5)  the number of hours of remediation that the
	student has attended, including[:
	[(A)  attendance in a college preparatory course
	required under Section 39.025(b-2), if applicable; or
	[(B)]  attendance in and successful completion of
	a transitional college course in reading or mathematics;
	(6)  the student's school attendance rate;
	(7)  the student's satisfaction of any of the Texas
	Success Initiative (TSI) college readiness benchmarks prescribed
	by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
	(8)  the student's successful completion of a dual
	credit course in English, mathematics, science, or social studies;
	(9)  the student's successful completion of a high
	school pre-advanced placement, advanced placement, or
	international baccalaureate program course in English,
	mathematics, science, or social studies;
	(10)  the student's rating of advanced high on the most
	recent high school administration of the Texas English Language
	Proficiency Assessment System;
	(11)  the student's score of 50 or greater on a
	College-Level Examination Program examination;
	(12)  the student's score on:
	(A)  the ACT or[,] the SAT, if not otherwise
	considered under Subdivision (3); or
	(B)  the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
	Battery test;
	(13)  the student's completion of a sequence of courses
	under a career and technical education program required to attain
	an industry-recognized credential or certificate;
	(14)  the student's overall preparedness for
	postsecondary success; and
	(15)  any other academic information designated for
	consideration by the board of trustees of the school district.
	(j)  Notwithstanding any action taken by an individual
	graduation committee under this section, a school district shall
	administer an [end-of-course] assessment instrument required under
	Section 39.023(c) to any student who fails to perform
	satisfactorily on an [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	required under Section 39.023(c) as provided by Section 39.025(b).
	For purposes of Section 39.053(c)(1), an assessment instrument
	administered as provided by this subsection is considered an
	assessment instrument required for graduation retaken by a student.
	(k)  The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to
	administer [implement] this section [not later than the 2015-2016
	school year].
	(m)  For a student subject to Section 39.025(f-3)(1):
	(1)  for purposes of Subsection (a), this section
	applies only to an 11th or 12th grade student who has failed to
	comply with the end-of-course assessment instrument performance
	requirements under Section 39.025, as that section existed before
	amendment by __.B. ___, Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2021, for not more than two courses listed in Section
	39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by _.B. ___,
	Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021;
	(2)  for purposes of the composition of an individual
	graduation committee under Subsection (b)(2), the committee shall
	include the teacher of the course for each end-of-course assessment
	instrument described by Subdivision (1) for which the student
	failed to perform satisfactorily;
	(3)  for purposes of Subsection (h)(1), an individual
	graduation committee shall consider the recommendation of the
	teacher described by Subdivision (2); and
	(4)  for purposes of Subsection (h)(2), an individual
	graduation committee shall consider the student's grade in each
	course described by Subdivision (2).
	(n)  Subsection (m) and this subsection expire September 1,
	2025.
	SECTION 2.09.  Sections 29.081(b) and (b-1), Education Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  Each district shall provide accelerated instruction to
	a student enrolled in the district who has taken an [end-of-course]
	assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c) and has
	not performed satisfactorily on the assessment instrument or who is
	at risk of dropping out of school.
	(b-1)  Each school district shall offer before the next
	scheduled administration of the assessment instrument, without
	cost to the student, additional accelerated instruction to each
	student in any subject in which the student failed to perform
	satisfactorily on an [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	required for graduation.
	SECTION 2.10.  Section 29.087(f), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(f)  A student participating in a program authorized by this
	section, other than a student ordered to participate under
	Subsection (d)(1), must have taken any [the] appropriate
	[end-of-course] assessment instrument [instruments] specified by
	Section 39.023(c) that is administered before the student enters
	[entering] the program and must take any [each] appropriate
	[end-of-course] assessment instrument that is administered during
	the period in which the student is enrolled in the program. Except
	for a student ordered to participate under Subsection (d)(1), a
	student participating in the program may not take the high school
	equivalency examination unless the student has taken the assessment
	instruments required by this subsection.
	SECTION 2.11.  Section 29.402(b), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  A person who is under 26 years of age is eligible to
	enroll in a dropout recovery program under this subchapter if the
	person:
	(1)  must complete not more than three course credits
	to complete the curriculum requirements for the foundation high
	school program for high school graduation; or
	(2)  has failed to perform satisfactorily on, as
	applicable:
	(A)  an [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	administered under Section 39.023(c);
	(B)  an assessment instrument administered under
	Section 39.023(c) as that section existed before amendment by _.B.
	___, Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021; or
	(C)  an assessment instrument administered under
	Section 39.023(c) as that section existed before amendment by
	Chapter 1312 (S.B. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2007.
	SECTION 2.12.  Section 39.023(a), Education Code, as
	effective until September 1, 2021, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The agency shall adopt or develop appropriate
	criterion-referenced assessment instruments designed to assess
	essential knowledge and skills in reading, [writing,] mathematics,
	[social studies,] and science. Except as provided by Subsection
	(a-2), all students, other than students assessed under Subsection
	(b) or (l) or exempted under Section 39.027, shall be assessed in:
	(1)  mathematics, annually in grades three through
	eight;
	(2)  reading, annually in grades three through eight;
	and
	(3)  [writing, including spelling and grammar, in
	grades four and seven;
	[(4)  social studies, in grade eight;
	[(5)]  science, in grades five and eight[; and
	[(6)  any other subject and grade required by federal
	law].
	SECTION 2.13.  Section 39.023(a), Education Code, as
	effective September 1, 2021, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The agency shall adopt or develop appropriate
	criterion-referenced assessment instruments designed to assess
	essential knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics, [social
	studies,] and science. Except as provided by Subsection (a-2), all
	students, other than students assessed under Subsection (b) or (l)
	or exempted under Section 39.027, shall be assessed in:
	(1)  mathematics, annually in grades three through
	eight;
	(2)  reading, annually in grades three through eight;
	and
	(3)  [social studies, in grade eight;
	[(4)]  science, in grades five and eight[; and
	[(5)  any other subject and grade required by federal
	law].
	SECTION 2.14.  Section 39.023, Education Code, is amended by
	amending Subsections (a-2), (b-1), (c), (c-3), (c-5), (c-8), (e),
	(g), (h), (i), and (p) and adding Subsections (h-1) and (q) to read
	as follows:
	(a-2)  Except as required by federal law, a student is not
	required to be assessed in a subject otherwise assessed at the
	student's grade level under Subsection (a) if the student[:
	[(1)]  is enrolled in a course in the subject intended
	for students above the student's grade level and will be
	administered an assessment instrument adopted or developed under
	Subsection (a) that aligns with the curriculum for the course in
	which the student is enrolled[; or
	[(2)  is enrolled in a course in the subject for which
	the student will receive high school academic credit and will be
	administered an end-of-course assessment instrument adopted under
	Subsection (c) for the course].
	(b-1)  The agency, in conjunction with appropriate
	interested persons, shall redevelop assessment instruments adopted
	or developed under Subsection (b) for administration to
	significantly cognitively disabled students in a manner consistent
	with federal law. An assessment instrument under this subsection
	may not require a teacher to prepare tasks or materials for a
	student who will be administered such an assessment instrument. [A
	classroom portfolio method used to assess writing performance may
	require a teacher to prepare tasks and materials.]
	(c)  The agency shall also provide for [adopt end-of-course]
	assessment instruments for each federally required secondary-level
	subject, including English language arts, mathematics, and
	science. The commissioner shall identify a procedure for a school
	district to select the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) diagnostic
	assessment or the SAT, the ACT, the PSAT, or the ACT-Plan or any
	other nationally recognized, norm-referenced secondary-level
	assessment instrument designated by the commissioner for the
	assessment of students under this subsection. Each school district
	shall select one or more assessment instruments for purposes of
	this subsection. A school district that selects more than one
	assessment instrument must uniformly administer to students in the
	district the same assessment instrument to satisfy the requirement
	for the same subject [courses in Algebra I, biology, English I,
	English II, and United States history. The Algebra I end-of-course
	assessment instrument must be administered with the aid of
	technology, but may include one or more parts that prohibit the use
	of technology]. An [The English I and English II end-of-course]
	assessment instrument designated under this section [instruments]
	must [each] assess essential knowledge and skills in the
	appropriate subject [both reading and writing and must provide a
	single score]. A school district shall comply with State Board of
	Education rules regarding administration of the assessment
	instruments under [listed in] this subsection. If a student is in a
	special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, the
	student's admission, review, and dismissal committee shall
	determine whether any allowable modification is necessary in
	administering to the student an assessment instrument required
	under this subsection. [The State Board of Education shall
	administer the assessment instruments. An end-of-course assessment
	instrument may be administered in multiple parts over more than one
	day. The State Board of Education shall adopt a schedule for the
	administration of end-of-course assessment instruments that
	complies with the requirements of Subsection (c-3).]
	(c-3)  In [Except as provided by Subsection (c-7), in]
	adopting a schedule for the administration of assessment
	instruments under this section, the State Board of Education shall
	ensure that assessment instruments administered under Subsection
	(a) or (c) are not administered on the first instructional day of a
	week.
	(c-5)  A student's performance on an [end-of-course]
	assessment instrument administered [required] under Subsection (c)
	must be included in the student's academic achievement record.
	(c-8)  Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, an
	assessment instrument developed under Subsection (a) [or (c)] may
	not present more than 75 percent of the questions in a multiple
	choice format.
	(e)  Under rules adopted by the State Board of Education,
	every third year, the agency shall release the questions and answer
	keys to each assessment instrument administered under Subsection
	(a), (b), [(c), (d),] or (l), excluding any assessment instrument
	administered to a student for the purpose of retaking the
	assessment instrument, after the last time the instrument is
	administered for that school year. To ensure a valid bank of
	questions for use each year, the agency is not required to release a
	question that is being field-tested and was not used to compute the
	student's score on the instrument. The agency shall also release,
	under board rule, each question that is no longer being
	field-tested and that was not used to compute a student's score.
	[During the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years, the agency shall
	release the questions and answer keys to assessment instruments as
	described by this subsection each year.]
	(g)  An [The State Board of Education may adopt one
	appropriate, nationally recognized, norm-referenced] assessment
	instrument administered under Subsection (c) [in reading and
	mathematics to be administered to a selected sample of students in
	the spring. If adopted, a norm-referenced assessment instrument]
	must be a secured test. The commissioner shall contract with a
	vendor to administer the assessment instrument, complete the
	scoring of the assessment instrument, and distribute within a
	reasonable period the results to the agency and the relevant
	results to each school district. As soon as practicable after the
	district receives the results from the vendor under this
	subsection, the district shall:
	(1)  distribute the relevant results to each district
	campus; and
	(2)  provide written notice to the student and the
	person standing in parental relation to the student that states the
	student's results and whether the student performed satisfactorily
	on the assessment instrument [The state may pay the costs of
	purchasing and scoring the adopted assessment instrument and of
	distributing the results of the adopted instrument to the school
	districts. A district that administers the norm-referenced test
	adopted under this subsection shall report the results to the
	agency in a manner prescribed by the commissioner].
	(h)  Except as provided by Subsection (g), the [The] agency
	shall notify school districts and campuses of the results of
	assessment instruments administered under this section not later
	than the 21st day after the date the assessment instrument is
	administered.
	(h-1)  A [The] school district shall disclose to each
	district teacher the results of assessment instruments
	administered to students taught by the teacher in the subject for
	the school year in which the assessment instrument is administered.
	(i)  The provisions of this section[, except Subsection
	(d),] are subject to modification by rules adopted under Section
	39.022. Each assessment instrument adopted or designated under
	those rules [and each assessment instrument required under
	Subsection (d)] must be reliable and valid and must meet any
	applicable federal requirements for measurement of student
	progress.
	(p)  On or before September 1 of each year, the commissioner
	shall make the following information available on the agency's
	Internet website for each assessment instrument administered under
	Subsection (a)[, (c),] or (l) and for the Texas Success Initiative
	(TSI) diagnostic assessment:
	(1)  the number of questions on the assessment
	instrument;
	(2)  the number of questions that must be answered
	correctly to achieve satisfactory performance as determined by the
	commissioner under Section 39.0241(a);
	(3)  the number of questions that must be answered
	correctly to achieve satisfactory performance under the college
	readiness performance standard as provided by Section 39.0241; and
	(4)  the corresponding scale scores.
	(q)  Notwithstanding any provision of this section or other
	law, if changes made to the Every Student Succeeds Act (20 U.S.C.
	Section 6301 et seq.) reduce the number or frequency of assessment
	instruments required to be administered to students, the State
	Board of Education shall adopt rules reducing the number or
	frequency of assessment instruments administered to students under
	state law, and the commissioner shall ensure that students are not
	assessed in subject areas or in grades that are no longer required
	to meet the minimum requirements of that Act.
	SECTION 2.15.  The heading to Section 39.0232, Education
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 39.0232.  USE OF [END-OF-COURSE] ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT
	AS PLACEMENT INSTRUMENT; CERTAIN USES PROHIBITED.
	SECTION 2.16.  Sections 39.0232(a), (b), and (c), Education
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  To the extent practicable, the agency shall ensure that
	any high school [end-of-course] assessment instrument designated
	under Section 39.023(c) [developed by the agency is developed in
	such a manner that the assessment instrument] may be used to
	determine the appropriate placement of a student in a course of the
	same subject matter at an institution of higher education.
	(b)  A student's performance on an [end-of-course]
	assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c) may not
	be used:
	(1)  in determining the student's class ranking for any
	purpose, including entitlement to automatic college admission
	under Section 51.803 or 51.804; or
	(2)  as a sole criterion in the determination of
	whether to admit the student to a general academic teaching
	institution in this state.
	(c)  Subsection (b)(2) does not prohibit a general academic
	teaching institution from implementing an admission policy that
	takes into consideration a student's performance on an
	[end-of-course] assessment instrument administered under Section
	39.023(c) in addition to other criteria.
	SECTION 2.17.  Section 39.0234, Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 39.0234.  ELECTRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF ASSESSMENT
	INSTRUMENTS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the [The]
	agency shall ensure that assessment instruments required under
	Section 39.023 are capable of being administered electronically.
	(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to a nationally
	recognized, norm-referenced assessment instrument under Section
	39.023(c).
	SECTION 2.18.  Section 39.0241, Education Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (a-1) and adding Subsection (a-2) to read as
	follows:
	(a-1)  The commissioner of education, in collaboration with
	the commissioner of higher education, shall determine the level of
	performance necessary to indicate college readiness[, as defined by
	Section 39.024(a)].
	(a-2)  In this section, "college readiness" means the level
	of preparation a student must attain in English language arts and
	mathematics courses to enroll and succeed, without remediation, in
	an entry-level general education course for credit in that same
	content area for a baccalaureate degree or associate degree program
	at:
	(1)  a general academic teaching institution, as
	defined by Section 61.003, other than a research institution, as
	categorized under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's
	accountability system; or
	(2)  a postsecondary educational institution that
	primarily offers associate degrees or certificates or credentials
	other than baccalaureate or advanced degrees.
	SECTION 2.19.  Section 39.025, Education Code, is amended by
	amending Subsections (a), (a-4), (b), and (b-1) and adding
	Subsection (f-3) to read as follows:
	(a)  The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring a student
	in the foundation high school program under Section 28.025 to be
	administered each [an end-of-course] assessment instrument
	selected under [listed in] Section 39.023(c) by the school district
	[only for a course] in which the student is enrolled [and for which
	an end-of-course assessment instrument is administered].  A student
	is required to achieve a scale score that indicates satisfactory
	performance, as determined by the commissioner under Section
	39.0241(a), on each [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	administered to the student.  For each scale score required under
	this subsection that is not based on a 100-point scale scoring
	system, the commissioner shall provide for conversion, in
	accordance with commissioner rule, of the scale score to an
	equivalent score based on a 100-point scale scoring system. A
	student may not receive a high school diploma until the student has
	performed satisfactorily on each [end-of-course] assessment
	instrument [instruments] in the manner provided under this
	subsection.  This subsection does not require a student to
	demonstrate readiness to enroll in an institution of higher
	education.
	(a-4)  The admission, review, and dismissal committee of a
	student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter
	29, shall determine whether, to receive a high school diploma, the
	student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on
	[end-of-course] assessment instruments administered under Section
	39.023(c).
	(b)  Each time an [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	[adopted] under Section 39.023(c) is administered, a student who
	failed to achieve a score requirement under Subsection (a) may
	retake the assessment instrument. [A student is not required to
	retake a course as a condition of retaking an end-of-course
	assessment instrument.]
	(b-1)  A school district shall provide each student who fails
	to perform satisfactorily as determined by the commissioner under
	Section 39.0241(a) on an [end-of-course] assessment instrument
	administered under Section 39.023(c) with accelerated instruction
	[in the subject assessed by the assessment instrument].
	(f-3)  The commissioner shall by rule adopt a transition plan
	to implement the amendments made by __.B. ____, Acts of the 87th
	Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, replacing end-of-course
	assessment instruments with one or more assessment instruments
	selected by a school district under Section 39.023(c).  The rules
	must provide for each assessment instrument selected by a school
	district under Section 39.023(c) to be administered beginning with
	students enrolled in the ninth grade for the first time during the
	2021-2022 school year.  During the period under which the
	transition from end-of-course assessment instruments is made:
	(1)  for students entering a grade above the ninth
	grade during the 2021-2022 school year or students repeating ninth
	grade during the 2021-2022 school year, the commissioner shall
	retain, administer, and use for purposes of accreditation and other
	campus and district accountability measures under this chapter the
	end-of-course assessment instruments required by Section
	39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by __.B. ____,
	Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021; and
	(2)  a student subject to Subdivision (1) may not
	receive a high school diploma unless the student has performed
	satisfactorily on:
	(A)  each required end-of-course assessment
	instrument administered under Section 39.023(c), as that section
	existed before amendment by __.B. ____, Acts of the 87th
	Legislature, Regular Session, 2021; or
	(B)  each assessment instrument selected under
	Section 39.023(c) by the district in which the student is enrolled.
	SECTION 2.20.  Section 39.034(d), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(d)  The agency shall determine the necessary annual
	improvement required each year for a student to be prepared to
	perform satisfactorily on, as applicable:
	(1)  the grade five assessment instruments;
	(2)  the grade eight assessment instruments; and
	(3)  the [end-of-course] assessment instruments
	required under this subchapter for graduation.
	SECTION 2.21.  Section 39.035(a), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  Subject to Subsection (b), the agency may conduct field
	testing of questions for any assessment instrument administered
	under Section 39.023(a), (b), [(c), (d),] or (l) that is separate
	from the administration of the assessment instrument not more
	frequently than every other school year.
	SECTION 2.22.  Section 39.203(c), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(c)  In addition to the distinction designations described
	by Subsections (a) and (b), a campus that satisfies the criteria
	developed under Section 39.204 shall be awarded a distinction
	designation by the commissioner for outstanding performance in
	academic achievement in English language arts, mathematics, or
	science[, or social studies].
	SECTION 2.23.  Section 51.338(c), Education Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(c)  A student who has achieved scores set by the board on the
	questions developed for end-of-course assessment instruments under
	Section 39.0233(a), as that section existed before repeal by
	__.B. ____, Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, is
	exempt from the requirements of this subchapter.  The exemption is
	effective for the three-year period following the date a student
	takes the last assessment instrument for purposes of this
	subchapter and achieves the standard set by the board.  This
	subsection does not apply during any period for which the board
	designates the questions developed for end-of-course assessment
	instruments under Section 39.0233(a), as that section existed
	before repeal by _.B. ____, Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2021, as the primary assessment instrument under this
	subchapter, except that the three-year period described by this
	subsection remains in effect for students who qualify for an
	exemption under this subsection before that period.
	SECTION 2.24.  Section 61.06641(i), Education Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(i)  Notwithstanding Chapter 551, Government Code, or any
	other law, the advisory council may meet by telephone conference
	call, videoconference, or other similar telecommunication method.
	A meeting held by telephone conference call, videoconference, or
	other similar telecommunication method is subject to the
	requirements of Sections 551.125(c), (d), (f), and (g)
	[551.125(c)-(f)], Government Code.
	SECTION 2.25.  The following provisions of the Education
	Code are repealed:
	(1)  Sections 39.023(a-15), (c-2), (c-4), (c-6), and
	(d);
	(2)  Section 39.023(c-7), as added by Chapter 1282
	(H.B. 1244), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019;
	(3)  Section 39.023(c-7), as added by Chapter 1315
	(H.B. 3906), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019;
	(4)  Section 39.0233;
	(5)  Section 39.024;
	(6)  Sections 39.025(a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-5), and
	(e-1);
	(7)  Section 39.053(d-1); and
	(8)  Section 39.203(d).
	SECTION 2.26.  As soon as practicable after the effective
	date of this Act, each school district shall provide notice to an
	eighth grade student under Section 39.025(g), Education Code,
	informing the student of the specific requirements applicable to
	the student under Sections 39.023(c) and 39.025(a), Education Code,
	as amended by this Act.
	SECTION 2.27.  A change in law made by this Act to a
	provision of Title 2, Education Code, applies beginning with the
	2021-2022 school year.
	ARTICLE 3. ESTATES CODE
	SECTION 3.01.  Subtitle F, Title 2, Estates Code, is amended
	by adding Chapter 259 to read as follows:
	CHAPTER 259. ELECTRONIC WILLS
	Sec. 259.001.  SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the
	Electronic Wills Act.
	Sec. 259.002.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
	(1)  "Electronic" means relating to technology having
	electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic,
	or similar capabilities.
	(2)  "Electronic notarial certificate" has the meaning
	assigned by Section 406.101, Government Code.
	(3)  "Electronic will" means a will executed in
	compliance with Section 259.005.
	(4)  "Online notary public" has the meaning assigned by
	Section 406.101, Government Code.
	(5)  "Record" means information that is inscribed on a
	tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium
	and is retrievable in perceivable form.
	(6)  "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate
	or adopt a record:
	(A)  to execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
	(B)  to affix to or logically associate with the
	record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.
	Sec. 259.0025.  ELECTRONIC PRESENCE. For purposes of this
	chapter, two individuals are in each other's "electronic presence"
	if the individuals are in different physical locations but able to
	communicate simultaneously by sight and sound, with accommodation
	for a testator or witness who has limited ability in sight or
	hearing.
	Sec. 259.003.  COMMON LAW AND PRINCIPLES OF EQUITY. The
	common law and principles of equity supplement this chapter except
	to the extent modified by this chapter or state law other than this
	chapter.
	Sec. 259.004.  WHO MAY MAKE AN ELECTRONIC WILL. An
	individual who may make a will under the law of this state other
	than this chapter may make an electronic will.
	Sec. 259.005.  EXECUTION OF ELECTRONIC WILL. (a) An
	electronic will must be in a record perceivable as text that is:
	(1)  signed, with the intent that the record be the
	testator's electronic will, by:
	(A)  the testator; or
	(B)  another individual in the testator's name, in
	the testator's conscious physical or electronic presence, and at
	the testator's direction; and
	(2)  signed by at least two credible individuals who
	are at least 14 years of age, each of whom signed in the physical or
	electronic presence of the testator.
	(b)  Intent of a testator that a record be the testator's
	electronic will may be established by extrinsic evidence.
	Sec. 259.006.  ELECTRONIC WILL MADE SELF-PROVING IF ALL
	WITNESSES PHYSICALLY PRESENT. (a) An electronic will with all
	attesting witnesses physically present in the same location as the
	testator may be made self-proving by acknowledgment of the testator
	and affidavits of the witnesses.
	(b)  An acknowledgment and the affidavits under Subsection
	(a) must be:
	(1)  made before an officer authorized to administer
	oaths under law of the state in which execution occurs, who is
	physically present in the same location as the testator and
	attesting witnesses; and
	(2)  evidenced by the officer's certificate under
	official seal logically associated with the electronic will.
	(c)  The acknowledgment and affidavits under Subsection (a)
	must be in substantially the following form:
	Before me, the undersigned authority, on this day personally
	appeared _____________, _____________, and _____________, known to
	me to be the testator and witnesses, respectively, who signed their
	names to this record in their respective capacities, and all of said
	persons being by me duly sworn, the said _____________, testator,
	declared to me and to the said witnesses in my presence that this
	record is [his/her] electronic will, and that [he/she] had
	willingly made and executed it as [his/her] free act and deed; and
	the said witnesses, each on [his/her] oath stated to me, in the
	physical presence and hearing of the said testator, that the said
	testator had declared to them that this record is [his/her]
	electronic will, and that [he/she] executed same as such and wanted
	each of them to sign it as a witness; and upon their oaths each
	witness stated further that they did sign the same as witnesses in
	the presence of the said testator and at [his/her] request; that
	[he/she] was at that time eighteen years of age or over (or being
	under such age, was or had been lawfully married, or was then a
	member of the armed forces of the United States, or an auxiliary of
	the armed forces of the United States, or the United States Maritime
	Service) and was of sound mind; and that each of said witnesses was
	then at least fourteen years of age.
	___________________________
	Testator
	___________________________
	Witness
	___________________________
	Witness
	Subscribed and sworn to before me by the said _________,
	testator, and by the said _____________ and ______________,
	witnesses, this _____ day of __________, 20___.
	(SEAL)
	(Signed) ___________________
	(Official Capacity of Officer)
	Sec. 259.007.  ELECTRONIC WILL MADE SELF-PROVING WHERE ALL
	WITNESSES NOT PHYSICALLY PRESENT. (a) In this section,
	"authorized person" means:
	(1)  an individual licensed to practice law in the
	United States; or
	(2)  a court clerk.
	(b)  An electronic will without all attesting witnesses
	physically present in the same location as the testator may be made
	self-proving by:
	(1)  acknowledgment of the testator and affidavits of
	the witnesses:
	(A)  made before an online notary public; and
	(B)  evidenced by the online notary public's
	electronic notarial certificate; or
	(2)  an authorized person's certification in writing
	under Subsection (e) that:
	(A)  the person is an authorized person;
	(B)  the testator declared that the record is the
	testator's electronic will and that the testator understands the
	will's contents;
	(C)  the testator signed the electronic will in
	the electronic or physical presence of each individual who signed
	the record as a witness;
	(D)  the authorized person is satisfied as to the
	identity of the testator and the witnesses; and
	(E)  to the best of the authorized person's
	knowledge the testator:
	(i)  was, at the time of the signing of the
	electronic will, 18 years of age or older or, being under such age,
	was or had been lawfully married or was then a member of the armed
	forces of the United States, or an auxiliary of the armed forces of
	the United States, or the United States Maritime Service;
	(ii)  was of sound mind; and
	(iii)  willingly made and executed the
	electronic will as the testator's free act and deed.
	(c)  An heir of the testator or a beneficiary under an
	electronic will may not act as an authorized person under this
	section.
	(d)  An authorized person under this section submits to the
	jurisdiction of the court in the county in which the testator
	executes the electronic will.
	(e)  A certification made under Subsection (b)(2) must be in
	substantially the following form:
	I, ______________________, an authorized person, certify
	that on this ______ day of __________, 20____, at ______________,
	______________(city, state), the testator declared the attached
	record to be the electronic will of the testator and declared that
	the testator understands the contents of the electronic will. I
	further certify that the testator, in the electronic or physical
	presence of each individual who signed the electronic will as a
	witness, signed the electronic will. I further certify that I am
	satisfied as to the identity of the testator and the witnesses and
	that to the best of my knowledge the testator was, at the time of the
	signing of the electronic will, eighteen years of age or over or,
	being under such age, was or had been lawfully married or was then a
	member of the armed forces of the United States, or an auxiliary of
	the armed forces of the United States, or the United States Maritime
	Service, was of sound mind, and willingly made and executed the
	electronic will as the testator's free act and deed.
	___________________________
	(Signed)
	Sec. 259.008.  ELECTRONIC WILL MADE SELF-PROVING AFTER
	EXECUTION. (a) An electronic will with all attesting witnesses
	physically present in the same location as the testator may be made
	self-proving at any time after its execution by the acknowledgment
	of the testator and the affidavits of the witnesses.
	(b)  An acknowledgment and affidavits under Subsection (a)
	must be:
	(1)  made before an officer authorized to administer
	oaths under the law of the state in which the acknowledgment occurs;
	and
	(2)  evidenced by the officer's certificate under
	official seal, logically associated with the electronic will, in
	substantially the following form:
	I, ______________________, the testator, and we,
	______________________ and ______________________, witnesses,
	whose names are signed to the attached or preceding electronic
	will, being sworn, declare to the undersigned officer that the
	testator signed the record as the testator's electronic will, the
	testator willingly made and executed it as the testator's free act
	and deed, each of the witnesses, in the physical presence and
	hearing of the testator, signed the electronic will as witnesses to
	the testator's signing, to the best of each witness's knowledge the
	testator was at that time eighteen years of age or over (or being
	under such age, was or had been lawfully married, or was then a
	member of the armed forces of the United States, or an auxiliary of
	the armed forces of the United States, or the United States Maritime
	Service) and was of sound mind, and each of the witnesses was then
	at least fourteen years of age.
	___________________________
	Testator
	___________________________
	Witness
	___________________________
	Witness
	State of __________________
	County of _________________
	Subscribed and sworn to before me by the said _________,
	testator, and by the said _____________ and ______________,
	witnesses, this _____ day of __________, 20____.
	(SEAL)
	(Signed) __________________
	(Official Capacity of Officer)
	Sec. 259.009.  PROOF OF ELECTRONIC WILL. A signature
	physically or electronically affixed to an affidavit attached to an
	electronic will under this chapter is considered a signature
	affixed to the electronic will if necessary to prove the will's
	execution.
	Sec. 259.010.  CHOICE OF LAW AS TO EXECUTION. An electronic
	will is validly executed if executed in compliance with the law of
	the place where:
	(1)  the testator is physically located at the time of
	execution; or
	(2)  at the time of execution or at the time of death,
	the testator is domiciled, resides, or is a citizen.
	Sec. 259.011.  REVOCATION. (a) An electronic will or part
	of an electronic will is revoked by:
	(1)  a subsequent will, including an electronic will,
	that revokes the previous will or part of the previous will
	expressly or by inconsistency; or
	(2)  a revocatory act, if it is established by clear and
	convincing evidence that:
	(A)  the testator performed the act with the
	intent and for the purpose of revoking the will or part of the will;
	or
	(B)  another individual performed the act in the
	testator's physical or electronic presence and by the testator's
	direction.
	(b)  An electronic will may revoke a will that is not an
	electronic will.
	Sec. 259.012.  UNIFORMITY OF APPLICATION AND CONSTRUCTION.
	In applying and construing this chapter, consideration must be
	given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to
	its subject matter among states that enact it.
	Sec. 259.013.  RELATION TO ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN GLOBAL
	AND NATIONAL COMMERCE ACT. This chapter modifies, limits, or
	supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National
	Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. Section 7001 et seq.) but does not modify,
	limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that Act (15 U.S.C. Section
	7001(c)) or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices
	described in Section 103(b) of that Act (15 U.S.C. Section
	7003(b)).
	SECTION 3.02.  Section 305.054, Estates Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 305.054.  ADMINISTRATION OF OATH. An oath may be taken
	before any person authorized to administer oaths under the laws of
	this state, including an online notary public using two-way video
	and audio conference technology as provided by Subchapter C,
	Chapter 406, Government Code.
	SECTION 3.03.  Subchapter A, Chapter 751, Estates Code, is
	amended by adding Section 751.00221 to read as follows:
	Sec. 751.00221.  ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE; ONLINE NOTARIZATION.
	(a)  An adult principal may sign a durable power of attorney or a
	revocation of a durable power of attorney using an electronic
	signature that:
	(1)  is capable of verification;
	(2)  is under the sole control of the principal using
	it;
	(3)  is linked to data in a manner that invalidates the
	electronic signature if the data is changed; and
	(4)  persists with the instrument and not by
	association in separate files.
	(b)  A durable power of attorney in which the principal signs
	the instrument using an electronic signature that complies with the
	requirements of this section may be acknowledged before an online
	notary public using two-way video and audio conference technology
	as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 406, Government Code.
	SECTION 3.04.  Section 1105.052, Estates Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 1105.052.  ADMINISTRATION OF OATH. An oath may be taken
	before any person authorized to administer oaths under the laws of
	this state, including an online notary public using two-way video
	and audio conference technology as provided by Subchapter C,
	Chapter 406, Government Code.
	SECTION 3.05.  Chapter 259, Estates Code, as added by this
	Act, applies to the will of a decedent whose death occurs on or
	after the effective date of this Act.
	ARTICLE 4. GOVERNMENT CODE
	SECTION 4.01.  Section 551.125, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 551.125.  MEETING FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS BY TELEPHONE
	CONFERENCE CALL [OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BODY]. (a) Except as
	otherwise provided by this subchapter, this chapter does not
	prohibit a governmental body from holding an open or closed meeting
	from one or more remote locations by telephone conference call.
	(b)  A meeting held by telephone conference call may be held
	only if:
	(1)  [an emergency or public necessity exists within
	the meaning of Section 551.045 of this chapter; and
	[(2)]  the convening at one location of a quorum of the
	governmental body is difficult or impossible; or
	(2) [(3)]  the meeting is held by an advisory board.
	(c)  The telephone conference call meeting is subject to the
	notice requirements applicable to other meetings except as
	otherwise provided by Subsection (d).
	(d)  The notice of the telephone conference call meeting
	must:
	(1)  include the statement "Telephone conference call
	under Section 551.125, Government Code" in lieu of the place of the
	meeting;
	(2)  list each physical location where members of the
	public may listen to or participate in the meeting, including:
	(A)  any location that is open to the public where
	a member of the governmental body intends to participate in the
	meeting; and
	(B)  any facility provided by the governmental
	body for members of the public to listen to the meeting or provide
	testimony;
	(3)  include access information for an audio feed of
	the meeting; and
	(4)  if applicable, include instructions for members of
	the public to provide testimony to the governmental body [specify
	as the location of the meeting the location where meetings of the
	governmental body are usually held].
	(e)  Any method of access that is provided to the public for
	listening to or participating in the telephone conference call
	meeting must be widely available at no cost to the public,
	including:
	(1)  a toll-free telephone number; or
	(2)  a free, widely available computer application that
	can be installed on:
	(A)  a mobile telephone;
	(B)  a computer;
	(C)  an Internet-connected television; or
	(D)  a similar, widely available electronic
	device.
	(f) [(e)]  Each part of the telephone conference call
	meeting that is required to be open to the public shall be audible
	to the public using the access information described by Subsection
	(d) [at the location specified in the notice of the meeting as the
	location of the meeting] and shall be recorded. The recording shall
	be made available to the public.
	(g) [(f)]  The [location designated in the notice as the
	location of the meeting shall provide two-way communication during
	the entire telephone conference call meeting and the]
	identification of each party to the telephone conference shall be
	clearly stated prior to speaking.
	(h)  If the governmental body prepares an agenda packet that
	would have been distributed to members of the public at a
	face-to-face meeting, the governmental body shall make the packet
	available electronically so that members of the public listening
	remotely can follow along with the meeting.
	SECTION 4.02.  Section 551.127, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 551.127.  MEETING FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS BY
	VIDEOCONFERENCE CALL. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this
	section, this chapter does not prohibit a governmental body from
	holding an open or closed meeting from one or more remote locations
	by videoconference call.
	(b) [(a-1)]  A member or employee of a governmental body may
	participate remotely in a meeting of the governmental body by means
	of a videoconference call if the [video and] audio feed and, if
	applicable, video feed of the member's or employee's
	participation[, as applicable, is broadcast live at the meeting
	and] complies with the provisions of this section.
	(c) [(a-2)]  A member of a governmental body who
	participates in a meeting as provided by Subsection (b) [(a-1)]
	shall be counted as present at the meeting for all purposes.
	(d) [(a-3)]  A member of a governmental body who
	participates in a meeting by videoconference call shall be
	considered absent from any portion of the meeting during which
	audio [or video] communication with the member is lost or
	disconnected. The governmental body may continue the meeting only
	if members in a number sufficient to constitute a quorum of the body
	remain audible and visible to each other and, during the open
	portion of the meeting, to the public [remains present at the
	meeting location or, if applicable, continues to participate in a
	meeting conducted under Subsection (c)].
	[(b)  A meeting may be held by videoconference call only if a
	quorum of the governmental body is physically present at one
	location of the meeting, except as provided by Subsection (c).
	[(c)  A meeting of a state governmental body or a
	governmental body that extends into three or more counties may be
	held by videoconference call only if the member of the governmental
	body presiding over the meeting is physically present at one
	location of the meeting that is open to the public during the open
	portions of the meeting.]
	(e) [(d)]  A meeting held by videoconference call is subject
	to the notice requirements applicable to other meetings except as
	otherwise provided by Subsection (f) [in addition to the notice
	requirements prescribed by this section].
	(f) [(e)]  The notice of a meeting to be held by
	videoconference call must:
	(1)  include the statement "Videoconference call under
	Section 551.127, Government Code" in lieu of the place of the
	meeting;
	(2)  list each physical location where members of the
	public may observe or participate in the meeting, including:
	(A)  any location that is open to the public where
	a member of the governmental body intends to participate in the
	meeting; and
	(B)  any facility provided by the governmental
	body for members of the public to observe the meeting or provide
	testimony;
	(3)  include access information for both audio-only and
	audiovisual feeds of the meeting; and
	(4)  if applicable, include instructions for members of
	the public to provide testimony to the governmental body [specify
	as a location of the meeting the location where a quorum of the
	governmental body will be physically present and specify the intent
	to have a quorum present at that location, except that the notice of
	a meeting to be held by videoconference call under Subsection (c)
	must specify as a location of the meeting the location where the
	member of the governmental body presiding over the meeting will be
	physically present and specify the intent to have the member of the
	governmental body presiding over the meeting present at that
	location. The location where the member of the governmental body
	presiding over the meeting is physically present shall be open to
	the public during the open portions of the meeting].
	(g)  Any method of access that is provided to the public for
	the purpose of observing or participating in a meeting held under
	this section must be widely available at no cost to the public,
	including:
	(1)  a toll-free telephone number; or
	(2)  a free, widely available computer application that
	can be installed on:
	(A)  a mobile telephone;
	(B)  a computer;
	(C)  an Internet-connected television; or
	(D)  a similar, widely available electronic
	device.
	(h) [(f)]  Each portion of a meeting held by videoconference
	call that is required to be open to the public shall be [visible
	and] audible and, if applicable, visible to the public using the
	access information described by Subsection (f) [at the location
	specified under Subsection (e)]. If a problem occurs that causes a
	meeting to no longer be [visible and] audible to the public [at that
	location], the meeting must be recessed until the problem is
	resolved. If the problem is not resolved in six hours or less, the
	meeting must be adjourned.
	(i) [(g)]  The governmental body shall make at least an audio
	recording of the meeting. The recording shall be made available to
	the public.
	(j)  [(h)  The location specified under Subsection (e), and
	each remote location from which a member of the governmental body
	participates, shall have two-way audio and video communication with
	each other location during the entire meeting.] The face of each
	participant in the videoconference call who is participating in the
	call using video communication, while that participant is speaking,
	shall be clearly visible, and the voice audible, to each other
	participant and, during the open portion of the meeting, to the
	members of the public, including [in attendance at the physical
	location described by Subsection (e) and] at any [other] location
	described by Subsection (f)(2) [of the meeting that is open to the
	public].
	(k)  A participant in the videoconference call using solely
	audio communication:
	(1)  shall, while the participant is speaking, be
	clearly audible to each other participant and, during the open
	portion of the meeting, to the members of the public, including at
	any location described by Subsection (f)(2); and
	(2)  must be clearly identified before speaking.
	(l) [(i)]  The Department of Information Resources by rule
	shall specify minimum technical quality standards for [audio and
	video signals at] a meeting held by videoconference call. [The
	quality of the audio and video signals perceptible at each location
	of the meeting must meet or exceed those standards.]
	(m) [(j)]  The audio and video signals perceptible by
	members of the public using the access information described under
	Subsection (f) [at each location of the meeting described by
	Subsection (h)] must be of sufficient quality so that members of the
	public [at each location] can observe the demeanor or [and] hear the
	voice, as applicable, of each participant in the open portion of the
	meeting.
	(n) [(k)]  Without regard to whether a member of the
	governmental body is participating in a meeting from a remote
	location by videoconference call, a governmental body may allow a
	member of the public to testify at a meeting from a remote location
	by videoconference call.
	(o)  A governmental body that is holding a meeting by
	videoconference call where public testimony is taken shall allow a
	member of the public to testify from a remote location using video
	or audio communication.
	(p)  If the governmental body prepares an agenda packet that
	would have been distributed to members of the public at a
	face-to-face meeting, the governmental body shall make the packet
	available electronically so that members of the public observing
	remotely can follow along with the meeting.
	SECTION 4.03.  Section 551.131(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  A meeting held by telephone conference call must
	otherwise comply with the procedures under Sections 551.125(c),
	(d), [(e), and] (f), and (g).
	ARTICLE 5. HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
	SECTION 5.01.  Section 81.406(b), Health and Safety Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The task force may meet telephonically in accordance
	with Section 551.125 [551.125(b)(3)], Government Code.
	SECTION 5.02.  Section 117.056(b), Health and Safety Code,
	is amended to read as follows:
	(b)  To ensure appropriate representation from all areas of
	this state, the committee may meet by videoconference or telephone
	conference call. A meeting held by videoconference or telephone
	conference call under this subsection must comply with the
	requirements applicable to a telephone conference call under
	Sections 551.125(c), (d), [(e), and] (f), and (g), Government Code.
	Sections 551.125(b) and 551.127, Government Code, do not apply to
	the committee.
	SECTION 5.03.  Section 166.011, Health and Safety Code, is
	amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
	(d)  Notwithstanding any conflicting provision of this
	chapter, an advance directive in which the declarant, witnesses,
	and notary public each sign the directive or a written revocation of
	the directive using an electronic signature that complies with the
	requirements of this section may be acknowledged before an online
	notary public using two-way video and audio conference technology
	as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 406, Government Code.
	SECTION 5.04.  Section 251.011, Health and Safety Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 251.011.  LICENSE REQUIRED. Except as provided by
	Sections [Section] 251.012 and 251.0125, a person may not operate
	an end stage renal disease facility without a license issued under
	this chapter.
	SECTION 5.05.  Subchapter B, Chapter 251, Health and Safety
	Code, is amended by adding Section 251.0125 to read as follows:
	Sec. 251.0125.  ADDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS FROM LICENSING
	REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN OFF-SITE FACILITIES. An end stage renal
	disease facility licensed under this chapter may operate and
	provide outpatient end stage renal disease services to a patient at
	an off-site facility without obtaining a separate license for the
	off-site facility if the off-site facility is:
	(1)  a mobile medical unit;
	(2)  a physician's office;
	(3)  an end stage renal disease facility that was
	licensed under this chapter and closed within the 36 months
	preceding the operation of or provision of services to a patient at
	the off-site facility;
	(4)  an ambulatory surgical center that was licensed
	under Chapter 243 and closed within the 36 months preceding the
	operation of or provision of services to a patient at the off-site
	facility; or
	(5)  a freestanding emergency medical care facility
	that was licensed under Chapter 254 and closed within the 36 months
	preceding the operation of or provision of services to a patient at
	the off-site facility.
	SECTION 5.06.  Chapter 437, Health and Safety Code, is
	amended by adding Section 437.026 to read as follows:
	Sec. 437.026.  SALE OF CERTAIN FOOD BY FOOD SERVICE
	ESTABLISHMENT. (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a food
	service establishment that holds a permit under this chapter may
	sell directly to an individual consumer food, other than prepared
	food, that:
	(1)  is in its original condition or original packaging
	as received by the establishment;
	(2)  is labeled, which may include a handwritten label,
	with the name and source of the food and the date the food is sold;
	(3)  for meat or poultry, bears an official mark of
	inspection from the department or the United States Department of
	Agriculture;
	(4)  for a meat product or poultry product, is obtained
	from a source that is appropriately inspected and bears an official
	mark of inspection described by Subdivision (3);
	(5)  for a time and temperature control for safety food
	as defined by Section 437.0196, does not exceed the shelf life
	displayed on the food's packaging; and
	(6)  for food requiring refrigeration other than
	produce, is:
	(A)  maintained at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit
	until the establishment sells or donates the food; and
	(B)  protected from contamination.
	(b)  A food service establishment described by Subsection
	(a) may not sell directly to an individual consumer food that is:
	(1)  in a package exhibiting damage or that is not
	labeled with the manufacturer's original labeling; or
	(2)  distressed because the food:
	(A)  has been subjected to fire, flooding,
	excessive heat, smoke, radiation, or another environmental
	contamination;
	(B)  is not held at the correct temperature for
	the food type; or
	(C)  is stored for a prolonged period.
	SECTION 5.07.  Section 773.050, Health and Safety Code, is
	amended by adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:
	(e-1)  In adopting minimum standards under Subsection (e),
	the executive commissioner shall, during a state of disaster
	declared under Chapter 418, Government Code, provide to a first
	responder organization a grace period of not more than 30 days from
	the date the organization's license expires for submission of
	application materials and other information necessary to renew the
	license.
	SECTION 5.08.  Subchapter C, Chapter 773, Health and Safety
	Code, is amended by adding Sections 773.0552 and 773.0553 to read as
	follows:
	Sec. 773.0552.  PROVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BY
	CERTAIN QUALIFIED PERSONS DURING DECLARED DISASTER. A medical
	director of an emergency medical services system may, during a
	state of disaster declared under Chapter 418, Government Code,
	authorize an individual who is not certified as any type of
	emergency medical services personnel but is otherwise qualified to
	provide emergency medical services to provide those services to
	patients treated or transported by an emergency medical services
	provider for the system.
	Sec. 773.0553.  TEMPORARY WAIVER OF SKILLS PROFICIENCY
	TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
	PERSONNEL. (a) The executive commissioner by rule shall authorize
	emergency medical services personnel and out-of-state advanced
	emergency medical technicians seeking reciprocity in this state to
	temporarily waive skills proficiency testing requirements if the
	personnel or technicians are unable to satisfy the testing
	requirements for a reason determined appropriate by the executive
	commissioner, including due to a state of disaster declared under
	Chapter 418, Government Code.
	(b)  Emergency medical services personnel and out-of-state
	advanced emergency medical technicians who waive skills
	proficiency testing requirements under Subsection (a) must satisfy
	those testing requirements not later than six months from the date
	the testing requirements are waived.
	SECTION 5.09.  As soon as practicable after the effective
	date of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
	Services Commission shall adopt rules to implement Section 437.026,
	Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.
	SECTION 5.10.  Section 437.026, Health and Safety Code, as
	added by this Act, applies only to the sale of food by a food service
	establishment that occurs on or after the effective date of this
	Act. The sale of food by a food service establishment that occurs
	before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in
	effect on the date the sale occurred, and the former law is
	continued in effect for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 6. OCCUPATIONS CODE
	SECTION 6.01.  Subchapter H, Chapter 51, Occupations Code,
	is amended by adding Section 51.40101 to read as follows:
	Sec. 51.40101.  TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF LICENSE RENEWAL
	PERIOD AND WAIVER OF LICENSE RENEWAL LATE FEES DURING DISASTER
	DECLARATION. (a)  In this section, "disaster declaration" means a
	declaration by the governor of a state of disaster under Section
	418.014, Government Code.
	(b)  Notwithstanding Section 51.401 or any other law, the
	department:
	(1)  shall extend the period for renewing a license
	that expires while a disaster declaration is in effect provided the
	holder of the license files a renewal application and pays the
	required renewal fee in accordance with commission rules governing
	disaster renewals; and
	(2)  may not charge a late fee for a license renewal
	described by Subdivision (1).
	SECTION 6.02.  Subtitle A, Title 3, Occupations Code, is
	amended by adding Chapter 117 to read as follows:
	CHAPTER 117. TEMPORARY LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE FOR CERTAIN HEALTH
	PROFESSIONS DURING DISASTER
	Sec. 117.001.  DEFINITION. In this chapter, "disaster
	declaration" means a declaration by the governor of a state of
	disaster under Section 418.014, Government Code.
	Sec. 117.002.  APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies only to
	an applicant for a license or certificate as a:
	(1)  medical physicist;
	(2)  perfusionist;
	(3)  physician assistant; or
	(4)  respiratory care practitioner.
	Sec. 117.003.  TEMPORARY LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
	REQUIREMENTS. While a disaster declaration is in effect, the
	appropriate licensing authority may issue a temporary license or
	certificate to an applicant to whom this chapter applies if the
	applicant:
	(1)  currently has an active, pending application for
	the applicable license or certificate on file with the applicable
	licensing authority;
	(2)  meets all the qualifications for the license or
	certificate except the applicant has not passed the final
	examination required for the license or certificate;
	(3)  has obtained a sponsoring physician licensed in
	this state; and
	(4)  submits an application for the temporary license
	or certificate in the form prescribed by the licensing authority.
	Sec. 117.004.  CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK. (a) A licensing
	authority shall conduct a criminal background check of an applicant
	for a temporary license or certificate under this chapter.
	(b)  The licensing authority may use a name-based background
	check instead of a fingerprint-based check only if a
	fingerprint-based check is unavailable due to the disaster for
	which the disaster declaration is issued.
	Sec. 117.005.  SUPERVISION REQUIRED FOR PRACTICE.
	Notwithstanding any other law, a person who holds a temporary
	license or certificate issued under this chapter may practice as a
	medical physicist, perfusionist, physician assistant, or
	respiratory care practitioner, as applicable, only under the
	supervision of a physician licensed in this state.
	Sec. 117.006.  EXPIRATION OF TEMPORARY LICENSE OR
	CERTIFICATE. A temporary license or certificate issued under this
	chapter expires on the earlier of:
	(1)  the date the disaster declaration expires; or
	(2)  the date the appropriate licensing authority
	terminates a person's temporary license or certificate.
	SECTION 6.03.  Section 155.105(b), Occupations Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A physician-in-training permit does not authorize the
	performance of a medical act by the permit holder unless the act is
	performed[:
	[(1)  as a part of the graduate medical education
	training program; and
	[(2)]  under the supervision of a physician.
	SECTION 6.04.  Section 157.0512, Occupations Code, is
	amended by adding Subsection (q) to read as follows:
	(q)  Notwithstanding any other law, a prescriptive authority
	agreement between a physician and an advanced practice registered
	nurse or physician assistant may be entered into orally.
	SECTION 6.05.  Section 301.157, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (d-13) to read as follows:
	(d-13)  The board may allow a student in the final year of a
	nursing education program to satisfy the clinical practice
	requirements of a course of study through any amount of simulation
	activities if a state of disaster prevents the student from
	completing the requirements through direct patient care.
	SECTION 6.06.  Section 301.258, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:
	(e-1)  The board may extend the expiration date of a permit
	issued under this section by not more than six months as necessary
	to mitigate a nursing workforce shortage caused by a state of
	disaster.
	SECTION 6.07.  Subchapter F, Chapter 301, Occupations Code,
	is amended by adding Section 301.2581 to read as follows:
	Sec. 301.2581.  TEMPORARY ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED
	NURSE LICENSE. (a) The board shall issue a license to practice as
	an advanced practice registered nurse to an applicant pending the
	results of a national certification examination if the applicant
	meets all other requirements for obtaining the license.
	(b)  The board may not issue a license under this section to
	an applicant who previously failed an advanced practice registered
	nurse national certification examination.
	(c)  A license issued under Subsection (a) expires on the
	earlier of the date of receipt of:
	(1)  a permanent license; or
	(2)  notice from the board that the license holder has
	failed the examination.
	(d)  A person who holds a temporary license issued under this
	section is considered to be an advanced practice registered nurse
	for all purposes, except that the person does not have prescribing
	and ordering authority as provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 157.
	(e)  The board may extend the expiration date of a license
	issued under this section by not more than six months as necessary
	to mitigate an advanced practice registered nurse workforce
	shortage caused by a state of disaster.
	SECTION 6.08.  Section 301.261, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsections (d-1), (d-2), and (d-3) to read as follows:
	(d-1)  The board may waive a requirement that a person pay a
	fee or complete a continuing education program to remove the
	person's license from inactive status as necessary to mitigate a
	nursing workforce shortage caused by a state of disaster.
	(d-2)  Except as provided by Subsection (d-3), the board may,
	as necessary to mitigate an advanced practice registered nurse
	workforce shortage caused by a state of disaster, waive a
	requirement that a person:
	(1)  whose license to practice as an advanced practice
	registered nurse has been inactive for at least two years but not
	more than four years pay a reactivation fee, complete continuing
	competency and current practice requirements, or meet the
	requirements for renewing the person's prescriptive authority to
	remove the person's license from inactive status; or
	(2)  whose license to practice as an advanced practice
	registered nurse has been inactive for at least four years pay a
	reactivation fee or complete continuing competency requirements to
	remove the person's license from inactive status.
	(d-3)  Subsection (d-2) does not apply to a person:
	(1)  whose license was suspended, revoked,
	surrendered, or otherwise placed on inactive status based on the
	terms of a prior disciplinary order; or
	(2)  who is currently under disciplinary monitoring or
	investigation.
	SECTION 6.09.  Section 301.301, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
	(b-1)  The board may extend the expiration date of a license
	issued under this chapter, including the deadline to comply with
	any renewal requirement, by not more than six months as necessary to
	mitigate a nursing workforce shortage caused by a state of
	disaster.
	SECTION 6.10.  Section 401.2022, Occupations Code, is
	amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
	(c)  Notwithstanding any other law, in adopting a rule under
	this section, the commission:
	(1)  shall authorize:
	(A)  a license holder, including a licensed intern
	or licensed assistant, to provide services by telepractice through
	the use of any interactive audiovisual communication system,
	whether real-time or two-way, including a smart phone; and
	(B)  any supervision requirement for an applicant
	under this chapter to be fulfilled wholly or partly by use of
	telecommunications technology; and
	(2)  may not:
	(A)  require a license holder's initial
	professional contact with a client to be in-person; or
	(B)  impose any limitation on a license holder's
	selection of a facilitator to assist the license holder in
	providing services by telepractice.
	SECTION 6.11.  Section 402.1023, Occupations Code, is
	amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
	(c)  Notwithstanding any other law, in adopting a rule under
	this section, the commission:
	(1)  shall authorize a license holder to provide
	services by telepractice through the use of any interactive
	audiovisual communication system, whether real-time or two-way,
	including a smart phone; and
	(2)  may not:
	(A)  require a license holder's initial
	professional contact with a client to be in-person; or
	(B)  impose any limitation on a license holder's
	selection of a facilitator to assist the license holder in
	providing services by telepractice.
	SECTION 6.12.  Section 402.255(a), Occupations Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A supervisor of a temporary training permit holder must:
	(1)  be licensed to fit and dispense hearing
	instruments under this chapter or Chapter 401, other than Section
	401.311 or 401.312; and
	(2)  [currently practice in an established place of
	business; and
	[(3)]  be responsible for the direct supervision and
	education of a temporary training permit holder.
	SECTION 6.13.  Section 403.151, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
	(a-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a licensed dyslexia
	practitioner may practice outside of an educational setting to the
	extent necessary to provide a service that would otherwise be
	provided in an educational setting that is not reasonably
	accessible to the licensed dyslexia practitioner or client.
	SECTION 6.14.  Subchapter D, Chapter 403, Occupations Code,
	is amended by adding Section 403.153 to read as follows:
	Sec. 403.153.  USE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY.
	Notwithstanding any other law, a license holder may provide a
	service solely through the use of an interactive audiovisual
	communication system, whether real-time or two-way, including a
	smart phone.
	SECTION 6.15.  Section 506.003, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
	(c-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (c)(1), applied behavior
	analysis interventions may be based on observation and measurement
	of behavior and environment through the use of telecommunications
	technology if approved by the certifying entity.
	SECTION 6.16.  Section 506.055, Occupations Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 506.055.  STUDENTS, INTERNS, AND FELLOWS. (a) This
	chapter does not apply to an applied behavior analysis activity or
	service of a college or university student, intern, or fellow if:
	(1)  the activity or service is part of a defined
	behavior analysis program of study, course, practicum, internship,
	or postdoctoral fellowship;
	(2)  the activity or service is directly supervised by
	a licensed behavior analyst or an instructor in a course sequence
	approved by the certifying entity; and
	(3)  the person is designated as a "student," "intern,"
	"fellow," or "trainee."
	(b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(2), a licensed behavior
	analyst or an instructor may supervise a behavior analysis activity
	or service through the use of telecommunications technology if
	approved by the applicable college or university and the certifying
	entity.
	SECTION 6.17.  Section 554.005, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
	(d)  In implementing Subsection (a)(3)(C)(iv), the board by
	rule shall authorize a pharmacist to provide any required patient
	counseling by telephone.
	SECTION 6.18.  (a) The Texas Commission of Licensing and
	Regulation shall adopt rules under Section 51.40101, Occupations
	Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2022.
	(b)  Section 51.40101, Occupations Code, as added by this
	Act, applies to the renewal of a license or other authorization
	issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation that
	expires on or after January 1, 2022. A license or other
	authorization that expires before that date is governed by the law
	in effect on the date the license or other authorization expired,
	and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 6.19.  Section 155.105(b), Occupations Code, as
	amended by this Act, applies only to conduct that occurs on or after
	the effective date of this Act.  Conduct that occurs before the
	effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
	date the conduct occurred, and the former law is continued in effect
	for that purpose.
	SECTION 6.20.  The changes in law made by this Act to
	Chapters 401, 402, 403, and 506, Occupations Code, apply only to
	conduct that occurs on or after the effective date of this Act.
	Conduct that occurs before the effective date of this Act is
	governed by the law in effect on the date the conduct occurred, and
	the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 7. TRANSPORTATION CODE
	SECTION 7.01.  Section 370.262(a), Transportation Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Chapter 551, Government Code, does not prohibit any open
	or closed meeting of the board, a committee of the board, or the
	staff, or any combination of the board or staff, from being held by
	telephone conference call. The board may hold an open or closed
	meeting by telephone conference call subject to the requirements of
	Sections 551.125(c), (d), (f), and (g) [551.125(c)-(f)],
	Government Code, but is not subject to the requirements of
	Subsection (b) of that section.
	ARTICLE 8. CONFLICTING ACTS; EFFECTIVE DATE
	SECTION 8.01.  To the extent of any conflict, this Act
	prevails over another Act of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session,
	2021, relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in
	enacted codes.
	SECTION 8.02.  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, 2021.