Bill
HB 618
84(R) - 2015
House Corrections
House Corrections
Criminal Justice
Education
Companion Bill
SB 1024
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
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Positive
Author(s)
James White
Co-Author(s)
Dan Huberty
Bill Caption
Relating to eligibility for course credit and high school diplomas of students enrolled in educational programs provided by the Windham School District in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State or local government is anticipated. However, the Windham School District may experience costs to hire teachers to provide instruction leading to high school graduation. There may be additional costs to modify instructional materials to align with the Texas essential knowledge and skills curriculum standards.
Bill Analysis
The Windham School District was created in 1969 to establish and operate schools within various facilities of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. If HB 618 passes the Windham School District will be able to hand out high school diplomas rather than simply GEDs. However, this bill specifies that the high school diploma will be granted only if the student successfully completes the same curriculum requirements that all other Texas schools comply with.
Vote Recommendation Notes
HB 618 allows the Windham School District greater ability to educate beyond the GED requirements. According to the US Census Data, individuals who have a high school diploma are likely to be paid more than those with GED. This bill is supporting the Windham School District to seek higher goals for their students and giving them a chance to be more productive when they complete their sentences. We support HB 618 for encouraging personal responsibility and individual liberty for people working to pay their debt to society for the crimes they have committed.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Goodwills
Texas Public Policy Foundation
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