Bill: SB 1024, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Positive

Author(s)

Kel Seliger

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 SB 1024 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

SB 1024 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 SB 1024 for encouraging personal responsibility and individual liberty for people working to pay their debt to society for the crimes they have committed.

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Organizations Supporting

Right on Crime
Texas Public Policy Foundation

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 05:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb1024?print_view=true