As the primary advocate for Texas coaches, THSCA works year-round to uphold high standards for athletics and the coaching profession. Our lobbyists and staff collaborate with local and state legislators to address opportunities for improvement in high school coaching and the educational and athletic arenas.
With the 89th Texas legislative session underway, our focus has shifted from voting to advocating on your behalf at the Capitol. While we navigate the halls of the legislature, your collective voice remains crucial in swaying decisions. Texas coaches have consistently set the national standard, empowering THSCA to be a strong legislative voice.
We will update this page and email you throughout the session to keep you informed. Please familiarize yourself with our government relations work, the legislative process, and the role of our THSCA lobbyists.
Important Dates to Know for the 89th Legislative Session:
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (1st day) – 89th Legislature Regular Session Begins
- Friday, March 14, 2025 (60th day) – 60-day deadline for bill filing
- Monday, June 2, 2025 (140th day) – Sine die (last day of 89th Regular Session)
| Date | 89th Legislative Session – Important Notes and THSCA Legislative ALERTS |
| 6/9/2025 |
A Case Against Homeschool Participation in UIL Athletics.pdf UIL Resource/FAQ on Home School Participation: https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/homeschool-faq |
| 6/6/2025 | THSCA Legislative Update: HB 126 – No Payments in High School, a Clearer Path to College Agreements |
| 5/23/2025 | THSCA Legislative Update: SB 401 |
| 5/12/25 | THSCA Legislative Update: Where things stand at the capitol |
| 4/30/25 | THSCA Legislative Update: HB 775 left pending in committee |
| 4/28/2025 | THSCA Legislative Update: HB 775 and SB 401 |
| 4/17/2025 | THSCA Legislative Alert: Key Education Bills Advance in Texas House |
| 4/15/2025 | THSCA Legislative Alert: School Finance & Voucher Legislation Update |
| 2/7/2025 | THSCA Legislative Alert: Bills that Mention the U.I.L. in the Text that You Need to be Aware of |
| 2/4/2025 | THSCA Legislative Alert: Senate to Vote on SB 2 Voucher/ESA Bill on Wedneday (Relating to the establishment of an educational savings account program.) |
| 1/28/2025 | Senate Committee on Education K-16 – Meeting Notes on Discussion of SB 2 (Relating to the establishment of an educational savings account program.) |
| 1/28/2025 | SB 2 Fiscal Note (Relating to the establishment of an educational savings account program.) |
We are aware there is a lot of misinformation about topics being addressed during 89th session. We want to provide you with resources below that we have found to be truthful and informative as we move through the remainder of the session.
| Date | 89th Legislative Session – Resources and Reliable Information |
| 6/3/2025 | The Texas Tribune: From Vouchers to a cellphone ban, this year’s lawmaking sessio brough transformative changes to Texas schools |
| 5/22/2025 | TASB – The Legislative Report: House, Senate find compromise on school funding bill |
| 5/21/2025 | The Texas Tribune: Texas Lawmakers near 8.5 Billion School Funding Bill |
| 2/23/2025 | TASB – The Legislative Report: Buckley Files School Finance Bill and ESA Bill & Senate passes teacher pay bill |
| 2/21/2025 | Raise Your Hand Texas: Four things to know regarding Public Education Funding |
| 2/11/2025 | The Texas Tribune: Now that a bill on school vouchers has passed in the Texas Senate, lawmakers are prioritizing other challenges facing public schools. |
| 2/11/2025 | The Texas Minute presented by Texas Scorecard: Speaker Burrows Promises Texas House “Will” Pass School Choice |
| 2/10/2025 | TASB – The Legislative Report: Senate Finance Discusses Public Education Funding |
Below is a list of bills THSCA is currently tracking for the 89th Legislative Session (Updated 3/27/2025):
| Bill | Description |
| SB 2 | Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program. Summary: Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), introduced in the 89th Texas Legislature, proposes the creation of an Education Savings Account (ESA) program aimed at providing families with additional educational options. The bill outlines the establishment of ESAs to fund approved education-related expenses for participating children. The program is to be administered by the comptroller, who will oversee the program fund, composed of general revenue transfers, appropriations, gifts, grants, donations, and other available money. The comptroller is authorized to certify up to five educational assistance organizations to support the program’s administration, including application processing and expenditure management. The bill also includes provisions for promoting the program and ensuring cybersecurity measures are in place for certified organizations. |
| HB 2 | Relating to public education and public school finance. Summary: House Bill 2 (HB 2) in the 89th Texas Legislature proposes the establishment of an education savings account program aimed at providing families with state funds to cover private school tuition and other educational expenses. Under this program, each participating student would receive $10,000 annually, with an increased amount of $11,500 for students with disabilities. The bill assigns the Comptroller of Public Accounts the responsibility to administer the program and outlines the creation of a dedicated program fund within the general revenue fund. Additionally, HB 2 grants the comptroller explicit rulemaking authority to effectively implement and manage the program. |
| HB 3 | Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program. Summary: House Bill 3, introduced in the 89th Texas Legislature, proposes the creation of an Education Savings Account (ESA) program. This program aims to provide families with additional educational options, enabling them to direct the educational needs of their children and promote a general diffusion of knowledge. Key Aspects: – Program Establishment: The comptroller is tasked with creating a program that funds approved education-related expenses for participating children. – Funding: A dedicated program fund within the general revenue fund will be established, comprising general revenue transfers, appropriations, gifts, grants, donations, and other available monies. – Certified Educational Assistance Organizations: The comptroller will certify organizations to support program administration, including application processing and assisting participants in locating preapproved education service providers and vendors. – Eligibility and Application: Parents can apply for their children to join the program during specified periods. The bill outlines prioritization criteria if applications exceed program capacity. – Account Management: Each participating child will have an education savings account, with funds allocated annually. These funds can be used for various educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, textbooks, and tutoring services. – Oversight and Compliance: The comptroller will oversee the program, including conducting random audits and establishing rules to prevent fraud. Certified educational assistance organizations will also assist in monitoring compliance. The bill emphasizes providing families with the flexibility to choose educational services that best meet their children’s needs. It also includes provisions for promoting the program and ensuring proper use of funds. |
| HB 4 | Relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability and actions, and proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system. Summary: House Bill 4 seeks to enhance the alignment of student assessments with educational standards, provide tools for ongoing student progress monitoring, and clarify the processes related to waivers and appeals within the public school system. |
| SB 401 | Relating to the Participation by non-enrolled students in University Interscholastic League- sponsored activities. Summary: Senate Bill 401, introduced in Texas, proposes allowing non-enrolled students (e.g., homeschoolers) to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities at public schools. The bill ensures these students meet eligibility requirements similar to enrolled students and outlines provisions for academic performance and residency. Public school boards can opt out of allowing such participation. The bill protects the autonomy of non-enrolled students’ education programs from additional state control and includes immunization requirements. If passed, it would take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. |
| HB 446 | Relating to workplace heat illness prevention, including the creation of a heat illness prevention advisory board. Summary: House Bill 446 proposes the establishment of workplace heat illness prevention standards in Texas. It includes the creation of a Heat Illness Prevention Advisory Board to recommend safety protocols, such as access to water, shade, rest breaks, and emergency response procedures. Employers must provide training and post notices about these measures. The bill also introduces penalties for violations, protects workers against retaliation, and allows for civil actions against non-compliant employers. The standards would take effect starting March 1, 2026. |
| HB 549 | Relating to the availability and use of airway clearance devices at public school campuses. Summary: House Bill 549 requires Texas public schools to provide at least one airway clearance device per campus, primarily near areas where students eat. Schools must ensure trained staff are available to use the device and comply with storage and usage guidelines. Funding for devices can come from donations or allocated funds. The bill includes liability protections for districts and employees. It applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. |
| SB 551 | Relating to selection of statewide competition locations by the University Interscholastic League. Summary: Senate Bill 551 requires the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to periodically issue statewide requests for proposals to host statewide competitions. These requests must outline selection factors and require potential hosts to provide details about facilities, accommodations, and staffing capabilities. The provisions apply to competitions occurring on or after September 1, 2026. The act takes effect on September 1, 2025. |
| SB 569 | Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating daily average attendance. Summary: Senate Bill 569 focuses on the provision of virtual and hybrid education in Texas public schools. It outlines the framework for implementing online learning programs, ensuring access for students facing challenges such as homelessness or substitute care. The bill includes provisions for transitioning students, ensuring credit transfers, and facilitating graduation paths. It also allows for modifications to attendance calculations during emergencies to maintain funding. |
| SB 587 | Relating to terms for members of the state executive committee of the University Interscholastic League. Summary: Senate Bill 587 introduces staggered three-year terms for members of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state executive committee, with approximately one-third of members’ terms expiring annually on June 30. It also limits individuals to serving a maximum of two terms on the committee. The commissioner of education will adopt necessary rules for implementation. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025. |
| HB 619 | Relating to the transfer for an athletic participation purpose of a student from the school district of the student’s residence to another district. Summary: House Bill 619 allows Texas students aged under 19 and eligible for grades 9-12 to transfer once to another school district for athletic participation purposes. The transfer requires written approval from the receiving district and the student’s parent. The transfer remains valid until the student graduates or withdraws. It prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, or disability. Additionally, the UIL cannot penalize students or districts for such transfers. Implementation begins with the 2025-2026 school year. |
| SB 655 | Relating to prohibited student athlete name, image, and likeness agreements. Summary: Senate Bill 655 prohibits agreements where individuals or entities pay student athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights in exchange for exclusive negotiation rights or percentages of future earnings. Such agreements are deemed void and unenforceable. Violators are subject to civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation, with enforcement by the Texas attorney general, who can also seek injunctive relief and recover legal costs. This bill applies to agreements made on or after September 1, 2025. |
| SB 686 | Relating to the transfer of students between public schools. Summary: Senate Bill 686 reforms student transfer policies in Texas public schools. It standardizes procedures for transferring students, prioritizing fairness, transparency, and capacity limits at receiving schools. Transfers are subject to lotteries if demand exceeds capacity, with preferences given to residents, siblings, and specific groups like dependents of military personnel. Districts can deny transfers for capacity, disciplinary, or legal reasons and may revoke transfers for conduct violations. Tuition fees for transfer students are prohibited. The bill emphasizes maintaining equal opportunities and compliance with desegregation plans. |
| HB 775 | Relating to the participation by non-enrolled students in University Interscholastic League-sponsored activities. Summary: House Bill 775 proposes allowing homeschool and non-enrolled students to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities under the same conditions as public school students. The bill establishes eligibility requirements, including academic proficiency and residency proof, and permits local school boards to opt out. It ensures non-enrolled students’ educational autonomy and mandates compliance with immunization laws. The bill would take effect in the 2025-2026 school year if passed. |
| HB 810 | Relating to the requirements for hearings and meetings conducted by the University Interscholastic League. Summary: House Bill 810 establishes detailed procedural requirements for University Interscholastic League (UIL) hearings and meetings. It mandates transparency, including audio/video recordings and advanced notice of evidence and witnesses. The bill ensures fair processes, such as adherence to the Texas Rules of Evidence, representation by legal counsel, and a prohibition on anonymous complaints. It also requires findings of fact in decisions and permits subpoenas for records or attendance. Implementation begins on September 1, 2025. |
| HB 816 | Relating to the licensing and regulation of youth sports programs; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing fees. Summary: House Bill 816 establishes licensing and regulation requirements for youth sports programs in Texas. It mandates safety training for coaches, concussion protocols, and venue safety measures. The bill creates a Youth Sports Program Advisory Board to oversee implementation and compliance, and licenses will be issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It includes provisions for penalties and enforcement and aims to ensure participant safety and program accountability. Implementation is set to begin between 2025 and 2026. |
| HB 819 | Relating to the functions and duties of the University Interscholastic League. Summary: House Bill 819 clarifies the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) functions as part of The University of Texas at Austin. It mandates the UIL to submit rules for state approval, administer interscholastic contests, and comply with open meeting and public information laws. Financial audits of the UIL are required, and its official meetings and hearings must follow specific government transparency standards. These provisions apply to meetings held after September 1, 2025. |
| HB 830 | Relating to the administration of the University Interscholastic League. Summary: House Bill 830 regulates the University Interscholastic League (UIL) by setting term limits for its executive director and committee members, mandating annual updates to its constitution and rules, and requiring transparent rule interpretations on the UIL’s website. It also ensures training for fair and impartial hearings for committee members. The bill emphasizes accountability and transparency in UIL administration, with provisions effective from September 1, 2025. |
| HB 832 | Relating to procedures regarding hearings and meetings held by or involving the University Interscholastic League. Summary: House Bill 832 outlines procedural requirements for University Interscholastic League (UIL) hearings and meetings. It mandates transparency, including detailed rules for appeals, audio/video recordings, and accessible findings. It introduces guidelines for penalties, allows for objections based on conflicts of interest, and specifies that anonymous complaints are not permitted. Additionally, it enables administrative hearings through the State Office of Administrative Hearings for appeals and requires de novo consideration. The act applies to hearings held after September 1, 2025. |
| HB 850 | Relating to the availability of automatic external defibrillators and a cardiac emergency response plan at public schools and certain private schools in this state. Summary: Texas House Bill 850, introduced in the 89th Legislature by Representative Lalani, aims to enhance cardiac emergency preparedness in public and certain private schools. The bill mandates that each school district must provide a sufficient number of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on each campus to ensure that any location is accessible within three minutes during a cardiac emergency. Additionally, AEDs must be readily available during University Interscholastic League athletic competitions held on campus. The bill also requires school districts and applicable private schools to develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan. This plan should include establishing a cardiac emergency response team, procedures for activating the team, dissemination of the plan across campuses, ongoing training for relevant personnel in first aid, CPR, and AED usage, annual practice drills, and yearly evaluations of the plan. Private schools are required to comply only if they receive an AED or funding for one from the agency. Furthermore, the commissioner is directed to establish a grant program to assist schools in implementing these plans, prioritizing those with at least 50% of students being educationally disadvantaged. Schools must comply with these requirements by the first instructional day of the 2027-2028 school year. |
| HB 1123 | Relating to interscholastic athletic competition based on biological sex, requirements for physical examinations and genetic testing in interscholastic athletics, and the adoption of rules by the University Interscholastic League to implement these requirements. Summary: Texas House Bill 1123, introduced in the 89th Legislature by Representative Lopez of Cameron, proposes amendments to the Education Code concerning student participation in interscholastic athletic competitions based on biological sex. The bill stipulates that students may only compete in athletic events designated for their biological sex, as indicated on their official birth certificate or, if unavailable, another government record. An exception allows female students to participate in male-designated competitions if no corresponding female competition is available. The bill mandates that licensed physicians conducting physical examinations for student-athletes must not approve the Physical Examination Form if they reasonably suspect a discrepancy between the student’s chromosomal makeup and their assigned biological sex at birth. In such cases, the physician is required to refer the student for genetic testing to confirm chromosomal sex. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is directed to adopt rules to implement these provisions, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding the confidentiality of student medical information. The bill also specifies that it does not create a cause of action or liability against healthcare professionals, the UIL, school districts, or their employees for injuries or deaths of students participating in UIL-sanctioned athletic activities. |
| SB 1543 | Relating to safety training for certain public school extracurricular activities. Summary: Senate Bill 1543, introduced by Senator Campbell, aims to enhance safety training for public school extracurricular activities in Texas. The bill amends Section 33.202(c) of the Education Code to include a requirement for a safety drill that simulates various injuries, such as head and neck injuries, concussions, asthma attacks, heatstroke, cardiac arrest, and injuries requiring the use of a defibrillator. This drill complements existing training components, which cover emergency action planning, effective communication with emergency services, and recognition of symptoms of potentially catastrophic injuries. The act is set to apply beginning with the 2025–2026 school year and will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. |
| HB 1800 | Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators. Summary: House Bill 1800, also known as the “Mitchell Chang Swim Safety Act,” seeks to regulate child swim instruction operators in Texas. It requires licensing for companies providing swim lessons to groups of children under seven, enforces safety and training standards, and mandates criminal background checks for employees. Operators must maintain instructor certifications, report serious incidents, and comply with inspections. The bill also includes penalties for non-compliance. |
| HB 2196 | Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee. Summary: Texas House Bill 2196, introduced in the 89th Legislature by Representative Bell of Kaufman, proposes significant changes to the provision of virtual education in public schools. The bill aims to establish a comprehensive framework for virtual and hybrid courses, replacing the existing state virtual school network. In summary, HB 2196 seeks to modernize virtual education in Texas by empowering local educational institutions to offer digital learning options and providing mechanisms to maintain funding stability during unforeseen disruptions. |
| HB 2211 | Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education. Summary: Texas House Bill 2211, addresses compensation and professional representation for students involved in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities and intercollegiate athletics. The bill prohibits UIL and participating schools from enforcing policies that prevent eligible students from earning compensation for their name, image, or likeness (NIL) when not engaged in official activities, or from obtaining professional representation for related contracts. Eligibility criteria include being at least 18 years old, meeting academic standards, and adhering to UIL rules. The bill also mandates that compensation cannot be used to influence student enrollment or transfers and prohibits endorsements of certain products and services. Additionally, it requires financial literacy and life skills education for participating students. The act would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative houses; otherwise, it would become effective on September 1, 2025. |
| SB 2030 | Relating to prohibited student athlete name, image, and likeness agreements; providing injunctive relief and a civil penalty. Summary: This bill prohibits agreements where student-athletes are advanced a percentage of their future name, image, and likeness (NIL) income and charged interest on that advance. Any such agreement is deemed void and unenforceable. Waivers of this protection are also invalid. Violators face civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation, with the Texas Attorney General authorized to enforce the law. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025. |
| HB 2396 | Relating to the transfer of students between public schools. Summary: House Bill 2396, introduced in the 89th Legislature by Representative Dutton, proposes amendments to the Education Code to facilitate student transfers between public schools. The bill mandates that school districts allow students meeting admission criteria to enroll at the nearest campus offering the appropriate grade level, regardless of attendance zones, provided there is capacity as determined under Section 25.046. It also revises the transfer process by requiring districts to accept transfer applications, admitting eligible students until capacity is reached, and implementing a lottery system when applications exceed available space. Priority in the lottery is given to certain applicants, including district residents, siblings of enrolled students, and children of campus employees. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for mutual agreement between districts and parents or guardians for transfers, aiming to increase educational access and choice for students. |
| SB 2920 | Relating to the regulation of steroid use by students participating in athletic competitions sponsored or sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League. Summary: Senate Bill 2920, introduced in the 89th Texas Legislature by Senators Campbell and Creighton, proposes an amendment to Section 33.091(h) of the Texas Education Code regarding the use of steroids by student-athletes in University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions. The bill clarifies that the exemption allowing steroid use prescribed by a medical practitioner for a valid medical purpose does not include administering steroids to minor students for the purpose of gender transition. Under this amendment, such use would not be considered a valid medical purpose, thereby subjecting students to existing prohibitions and penalties related to steroid use in UIL athletic competitions. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. |
| HB 3224 | Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities. Summary: House Bill 3224, addresses the compensation and professional representation of high school students participating in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities. The bill prohibits the UIL or participating schools from enforcing policies that prevent eligible students from earning compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL) when not engaged in official UIL activities. It also allows these students to obtain professional representation, including legal counsel, for matters related to their NIL. Eligibility criteria under the bill require students to be in the ninth grade or above, meet specific academic standards, and adhere to UIL rules. The UIL is tasked with adopting rules to administer these provisions, ensuring that compensation is not used to influence student enrollment or transfers, and prohibiting endorsements of certain products and services, such as alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. Additionally, the bill mandates that students receive financial literacy and life skills education. Furthermore, the bill amends Section 51.9246(j) of the Education Code to prohibit individuals or entities from entering into NIL agreements with prospective student-athletes unless they are in the ninth grade or above. It also forbids using promises of future NIL compensation to recruit prospective student-athletes to higher education institutions. |
| HB 3369 | Relating to the removal of a spectator of certain school extracurricular athletic activities or competitions. Summary: Texas House Bill 3369, addresses the authority of officials overseeing school-sponsored extracurricular athletic activities. The bill amends Section 37.105 of the Texas Education Code by adding Subsection (a-1), which allows referees, judges, or other officials to eject a spectator without first issuing a verbal warning or requiring the spectator to persist in inappropriate behavior. This change aims to empower officials to maintain order and safety during school athletic events more effectively. If enacted, the law would take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. |
| HB 3596 | Relating to the availability and instruction on the use of automated external defibrillators and a cardiac emergency response plan at public schools and certain private schools in this state. Summary: Texas House Bill 3485, introduced in the 89th Legislature by Representative Gary VanDeaver, aims to enhance cardiac emergency preparedness in public and certain private schools. The bill mandates that school districts provide a sufficient number of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on each campus to ensure that any location is accessible within three minutes during a cardiac emergency. Additionally, AEDs must be readily available during University Interscholastic League athletic competitions held on campus. The bill also requires school districts and applicable private schools to develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan. This plan should include establishing a cardiac emergency response team, procedures for activating the team, dissemination of the plan across campuses, ongoing training for relevant personnel in first aid, CPR, and AED usage, annual practice drills, and yearly evaluations of the plan. Private schools are required to comply only if they receive an AED or funding for one from the agency. Furthermore, the commissioner is directed to establish a grant program to assist schools in implementing these plans, prioritizing those with at least 50% of students being educationally disadvantaged. Schools must comply with these requirements by the first instructional day of the 2027-2028 school year. |
| HB 3796 | Relating to public school accountability, including the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, the assignment of public school campus performance ratings, and the creation of the Texas Commission on Public School Assessment and Accountability. Summary: Texas House Bill 3796, introduced in the 89th Legislature by Representative Frank, proposes significant reforms to the state’s public school accountability system, focusing on assessment instruments, campus performance ratings, and the establishment of a dedicated commission. Additionally, the bill includes amendments to Sections 11.185(b) and 11.186(b) of the Education Code, focusing on the development and implementation of strategic plans by school districts to enhance student performance. In summary, HB 3796 seeks to overhaul Texas’s public school accountability framework by updating assessment practices, refining performance rating methodologies, and creating a commission dedicated to continuous improvement in educational assessments and accountability. |
| HB 4375 | Relating to broadcast coverage agreements for postseason activity of students representing a University Interscholastic League member school. Summary: Texas House Bill 4375, introduced in the 89th Legislature by Representative Hefner, addresses broadcast coverage agreements for postseason activities involving students from University Interscholastic League (UIL) member schools. In summary, HB 4375 seeks to balance the UIL’s contractual agreements with private entities and the interests of local broadcasters by ensuring that local stations, especially those with a history of covering regular season events, have the opportunity to broadcast postseason activities. |