NevadaSB46083rd Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to education; revising provisions governing plans to improve academic achievement; providing for the waiver of certain reporting requirements; revising provisions governing the annual report of accountability for a school district; revising the duties of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education; providing for the impaneling of a Public Education Oversight Board; revising provisions governing boards of trustees of certain school districts; establishing certain measures for the designation of focus and priority school districts, sponsors of charter schools and public schools; revising provisions governing the Commission on School Funding; revising provisions governing the Early Childhood Literacy and Readiness Account; revising provisions governing prekindergarten programs; revising provisions governing assessments used to assess the literacy of certain pupils; revising provisions governing membership of the State Public Charter School Authority; revising provisions governing the formation of charter schools, the termination and amendment of charter contracts and the employment of teachers by charter schools; revising provisions governing the Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship Program; revising certain provisions governing instruction in English language arts; creating the Commission on Recruitment and Retention; revising provisions relating to the Commission on Professional Standards in Education; revising provisions governing background investigations of applicants for certain licenses; establishing requirements governing the hiring of a superintendent of schools; revising provisions governing certain evaluations; requiring the creation of a differential pay scale for certain teachers and administrators; creating the Education Service Center; establishing certain requirements for the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada; creating certain accounts and programs concerning teacher apprenticeships; making appropriations; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

Sponsored By: Julie Pazina (Democratic), MarilynPresident pro Tempore Dondero Loop (Democratic), Nicole J.Majority Leader Cannizzaro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

BDR 34-16

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

71 provisions identified: 41 benefits, 2 costs, 28 mixed.

Bus help for low income transfers

The state provides $7 million in FY 2026–2027 for transportation for students who attend a school outside their zone and show financial need. The Department will set rules for how families prove need. Any leftover money must return to the state by the required dates.

Easier paths to a teaching license

Alternative licensure programs must use selective admission, supervised school experience, and mentoring, and allow completion within two years. If you fail a basic reading, writing, or math test, you can meet the rule by passing an approved course with a B or better. Nevada accepts student teaching done in another state or country if it matches Nevada’s standards. Experienced teachers (3 years verified) do not have to repeat student teaching to add a new license or endorsement. The Department will post annual report cards on teacher-prep providers with licensure counts and job outcomes.

Extra pay at high-vacancy Title I schools

In large districts, if a Title I school has a 7% or higher vacancy rate for two straight school years, the district must negotiate a differential pay scale for licensed staff there. This can increase pay for teachers and other licensed personnel at those schools.

Less class time lost to testing

Schools may not use more than 2% of yearly required minutes for test prep or exams. This limit excludes recess and allows time for federal tests, AP/IB, career and technical courses, literacy help, and special‑needs screenings. A district or charter may ask the State Board for a waiver to go over 2%.

More early learning grants and seats

The state expands early learning help for young children. The Department gives grants for evidence‑based programs for kids under 6, with supports for children with disabilities. Priority goes to children most in need, including families at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and children with IEPs; pre‑K should serve 4‑year‑olds by August 1 and prioritize these families. Pre‑K grants must meet staffing, class size, and parent‑engagement rules and use funds within two years unless the Department sets a shorter time. The law funds facility expansion with $4 million in FY 2025–26 and $5 million in FY 2026–27 (capped at $150,000 per 800 sq ft) and adds $12 million in FY 2026–27 for early literacy.

Short-term hires without subject endorsements

If a district declares a teacher shortage in a subject, it can ask the Superintendent by September 1 to place a licensed teacher without that endorsement in the role. If approved, the teacher may serve in that subject for up to three school years.

Stronger due process in charter discipline

Charter schools must follow state due‑process rules for suspensions and expulsions. Parents of minors get notice, an explanation, a hearing and appeal, and schooling continues during appeals. Rules of behavior must be public, and truancy rules cannot be stricter than state law.

Work-while-you-train for school staff

Paraprofessionals enrolled in teacher prep can complete accelerated student teaching while staying in their jobs. School psychology support staff enrolled in a program can finish their internship while employed. The state will set rules for a provisional license with an endorsement for registered teacher apprentices. A pilot lets up to 100 participants a year use an alternative assessment path with mentoring, and extends provisional test deadlines by 24 months for participants.

More oversight of school funding

Every district and charter must send one report a year explaining how Pupil-Centered Funding Plan dollars are used to raise student results. The Commission on School Funding reviews these reports, comments, and sends them to state leaders. The Commission also guides how the funding plan is carried out and reviews the base per-pupil amount, district adjustments, and weighted multipliers. If it recommends changes that need more money, it must show how to fully fund them within 10 years.

More staff and data tools at NDE

The Department of Education gets $2.5 million in FY 2025–2026 and $4 million in FY 2026–2027 to carry out this law, including hiring and better service delivery. The state also provides $500,000 to maintain a teacher‑workforce portal that tracks class size, access to experienced teachers, long‑term substitute use, teacher ages, license‑to‑position ratios, and data tied to NSHE programs. Any leftover portal money must return to the state by September 17, 2027; other funds must revert by the required dates.

New Education Service Center to help

The law creates a statewide Education Service Center to support school districts and charters. It cannot tax or borrow money, but it can seek grants and enter agreements. It is treated as a local education agency and runs programs, implements state and federal initiatives, and gives statewide support. A Board governs it, and an Executive Director and staff can be hired.

Statewide school ratings and support

The state now rates every public school each year and sets achievement targets for reading, graduation, and attendance. Ratings lead to rewards, supports, or consequences. Schools with one of the two lowest ratings may receive grants if funded by the Legislature. When needed to oversee or help low-performing districts, sponsors, or schools, the Interim Finance Committee can move money from the Education Stabilization Account to the State Education Fund at the Department’s request.

Stronger early reading and K-12 curriculum

Districts and charters must adopt literacy plans with reading help, valid assessments, support for English learners, and teamwork between literacy experts and teachers. The Department may set kindergarten assessments in the first 45 days and require a statewide test if local ones are not valid. The State Board creates model English and math curricula for K–12 and can include phonics and STEM in K–3 based on pilot results. K–3 English standards now cover phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and age-appropriate STEM texts.

Tougher school staff background checks

The Central Repository now checks criminal history and DNA for people who apply to, work for, or volunteer at schools. It must tell school leaders right away if it finds certain convictions, a felony, or an offense involving moral turpitude, and it will adopt rules for biometric records and removals. The Superintendent can deny or not renew an educator license if reports show an arrest or charge for a sexual offense involving a minor. The applicant gets written notice and 15 days to request a hearing.

Underperforming districts: probation, plans, and updates

When a district or charter sponsor is labeled underperforming, the Superintendent places it on probation for up to two school years. Within 90 days, leaders must submit a performance plan and a governance improvement plan; the Superintendent reviews plans within 30 days. Approved plans must be implemented right away, posted within 10 business days, and updated quarterly, with translations into the top five non‑English languages. Boards must hold regular public meetings, and the Department monitors progress with reports and site visits. The Superintendent may also appoint a state monitor to review reports, audit, and provide feedback. Parents must get a standard notice when a school or district is low‑performing.

Stronger limits and consequences for charters

A city or county generally cannot sponsor a new charter or allow growth if its sponsored charter enrollment is 7% or more of other public-school enrollment in that area. There is an exception for low-performing districts and overcrowded zones, but growth for those new or expanding schools is capped at 15%. If a charter school gets the lowest rating three times in any three-year span, the sponsor must end or restart the charter under a new contract.

Higher standards for pre-K programs

Grant-funded pre-K must offer at least 25 hours of instruction each week for the full school year. Class size is capped at 20, with no more than 10 children per adult. Programs must use a full curriculum, do required evaluations, engage parents, and support children with disabilities. Each class may include less than 49% pupils with disabilities.

Private schools must report and test

Private schools that receive Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship grants must report by July 1 how many pupils got grants and how many left, with reasons. Reports must break out data by grade, gender, race/ethnicity, disability, and economic status. These schools must also give each scholarship pupil the state exams or an approved national test, and English learners must take the required language assessment. Schools must share results with the state as allowed by privacy law. If a school does not comply, it cannot get scholarship funds the next school year. The state will publish aggregated enrollment changes and test results by January 1 of each even‑numbered year.

Staff changes and support in turnarounds

A new principal at a struggling school may review and replace or reassign staff, with written notice and help for reassignment. Reassigned teachers must get mentoring, coaching, and training to meet standards. Teachers or administrators rated effective or highly effective must be placed in an equal job with equal pay, or returned to their prior role if none is open. The Superintendent can offer time‑limited incentives—like raises, bonuses, or stipends—to keep quality staff, following union rules and with state approval.

Tougher evaluations with support and training

Teacher and administrator evaluations now count student growth as 15% using a 1–5 point scale. State exams must measure growth for English, science, and math; other teachers may use course or teacher-made aligned tests. After two straight poor ratings, postprobationary teachers and administrators get a formal improvement plan with goals, training, and a mentor, can be placed on two-year probation, and may face nonreemployment or dismissal. Probationary teachers have three set observation windows, and supervisors must review at least 3% of evaluations and report by May 15. The state provides $400,000 to update and train on the evaluation system through September 17, 2027.

Updated teacher rules for charter schools

Teachers of core subjects at charter schools must hold a state teaching license or endorsement. Special education and English learner teachers must hold the proper licenses. For non-core classes, a teacher without a full license can qualify with an appropriate Superintendent endorsement or an industry-recognized credential. Non-core hires may also be allowed with a related degree or certificate and at least two years of experience.

District oversight can escalate or end early

If a district shows enough progress within two school years, the Superintendent can end probation early. If it fails to improve, the Superintendent must seek stronger oversight—up to state monitors, operational mandates, leadership changes, or targeted state control—subject to the Oversight Board’s approval. If the Oversight Board starts state oversight, the Governor may appoint a state monitor within 30 days; the district or sponsor must pay the monitor at a rate set by the Superintendent. After five straight years of underperformance, the state may propose even stronger steps, like shifting board powers, adding expert board members for up to three years, or installing a state management team. When state control is used, a recovery plan with benchmarks and timelines is required; governance is restored once sustained progress is met. “Adequate progress” is defined by regulation.

New rules for hiring school leaders

In counties with 100,000 or more people, boards must send superintendent and CFO candidates to the state for eligibility review before hiring. The state must respond within 10 days, and boards cannot hire candidates found ineligible. School organizational teams now give a written preference within 15 school days and may have one member join interviews, but the superintendent makes the final principal selection; teams no longer have a 75% veto.

Old education laws repealed

The law repeals these sections of Nevada law: NRS 387.206, 387.2062, 388G.500, 388G.610, 388G.670, 391.027, 391.486, 391.488, 391.490, 391.492, 391.494, and 391.496. Ending these sections changes certain education programs or duties that were in those laws.

Pre-K teacher pay parity and admin set-aside

Grant‑funded prekindergarten classrooms must have at least one teacher with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Those teachers must be paid and receive benefits similar to licensed district teachers. The Department may use up to 5% of early literacy funds for administration, assessments, and program work.

School budgets: more transparency, new limits

By January 15, the superintendent must post the district’s total expected revenue, its sources, and which funds are restricted. The superintendent sets the date to tell each precinct its estimated allocation and must update estimates by November 1 to match real student counts. After year one, the superintendent may set annual dates for certain postings. Precincts must spend any year-end balance over 5% within 24 months on tutoring, student supports, activities, or classroom materials. Unspent excess moves to the Education Stabilization Account. The state may also deduct from district or charter payments to cover statewide data system costs, like software and data maintenance.

State ratings and fixes for districts

The state now rates every school district and charter sponsor each year. Preliminary ratings and target checks come by the third Friday in August, with final ratings by the third Friday in September. Parents must be consulted, and big changes must be proposed by the Superintendent and approved by a Public Education Oversight Board chaired by the Governor. Districts or sponsors that miss targets can be labeled low‑performing or underperforming and be put on probation for up to two school years, with tiered interventions. With legislative approval, the Governor can also direct remedial actions. Districts, charters, and the state must publish performance metrics online and report them by October 1 each year.

Bargaining on prep time and pay

Local governments and school districts must negotiate on teacher prep time, classroom materials and supplies, and a new differential pay incentive program. Large districts must set aside enough money each year to pay any negotiated differential raises, if funds are available.

Cut back test prep time

Each school must report by July 1 how much class time it used for test prep and exams in the past year. Districts must send those reports to the state by July 31, and the state must report to lawmakers by January 1 each year. By January 1, 2027, the state must create a help and corrective plan for schools that exceed the 2% limit on exam prep and test time.

Free science of reading training for K-3 staff

K–3 teachers, K–3 paraprofessionals, and administrators who oversee K–3 must complete a state‑approved science‑of‑reading course. Training is free to employees. If hired before August 1, 2025, finish by the end of the 2027–2028 school year. If hired on or after August 1, 2025, finish within three years of hire.

Legal protection when staff stop fights

School employees are protected from civil and criminal liability when they act in good faith within their job to stop a fight or an imminent danger. There is no protection for willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless actions. Employees must report the incident as soon as practicable, and schools must keep these records only to improve training, supports, or policies.

Better training and fairer evaluations

The State Board reviews the teacher and principal evaluation system every year to check rating accuracy and how evaluations affect results. Regional training programs must add content on whole-school improvement, phonics-based reading skills, computer literacy, and training for evaluators. Programs must use evidence-based methods, include follow-up, and plan for students with disabilities and English learners. Each region’s training board must create a five-year plan with a two-year detailed plan and budget and review it each year.

Checks on at-risk counts and enrollment averaging

Every even‑numbered year, a third party must verify how the state identifies pupils most in need and report by September 1. The Commission also studies ways to average enrollment for funding, including multi‑year options like a 3‑year average, to balance accuracy, stability, and fairness.

Clearer statewide school goals and reports

The Education Department now writes the statewide plan to improve pupil achievement and sends it by March 31 each year. The plan sets clear, measurable goals and grade‑level metrics for reading, math, science, readiness, and staffing, reviewed yearly. Each year, the Superintendent issues a statewide education report (presented at session in odd years; sent by January 31 in even years). Districts and charter sponsors must post one public accountability report by December 31 for the prior school year, with charter data shown separately and small groups hidden for privacy. The Commission on Innovation and Excellence checks progress, coordinates data work, and sends a report by June 30.

Easier to drop duplicate school reports

Teachers and school administrators can ask to change or end reports that are duplicative or not used. Local leaders must review the request, explain any denial, and may forward it to the state. The State Superintendent must decide within 180 days (or within 90 days after getting extra information) and can modify, suspend, or eliminate the reporting rule.

Faster charter reviews and fiscal checks

A district must get state approval before it can sponsor charters, then must seek applications within 180 days. The Charter School Authority must hold a public meeting on an application within 120 days and meet in the local county if it has 100,000 or more people. The Authority must give written notice within 30 days of its meeting, unless a district objection rule applies. Applications must include a financial plan showing efficient use of public money, including for construction. Each sponsor must submit an annual report by February 15 on school performance and finances, and the Department must send a combined report to the State Board by April 1.

Funding and data tools for teacher pipeline

The Department will track administrator training and link data with Nevada colleges to see how many graduates become licensed teachers. The state funds a Nevada Institute on Teaching with $1 million in FY2025‑2026 and $1 million in FY2026‑2027, with no more than $75,000 for administration. It also adds $1 million in each of those years for the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Support Account. Another $1 million in each year is provided to carry out section 33.93. The Institute must report by December 20, 2026 (interim) and October 1, 2027 (final), and leftover funds must return by the required dates.

Funding to grow teacher apprenticeships

The state creates an account to fund grants for teacher apprenticeship programs. Approved sponsors can get grants for coaching, mentoring, instruction, and other supports. Grants are capped at $4,000 per participant per year, and each person can be counted for up to two years. No more than 5% of a grant may pay facilities or administration.

Grants for alternate reading tests

If a district or charter uses a different reading test and the state can match its scores to the state test, the Department awards a grant equal to the savings. The grant per pupil cannot be more than the per‑pupil cost of the state test.

More school counselors for students

Schools with 500 or more students in counties under 100,000 people should hire a full-time counselor if money is available and offer a full counseling program. In counties with 100,000 or more people, every public school must have a full-time counselor or equivalent service and a full counseling program.

More school data and standard records

Districts must send notice each year that the annual accountability report is available by the third Friday in August. Reports must show attendance, subgroup results, trends, and school ratings, and list staffing details like vacancies, out-of-field teachers, ratings, and substitute counts by grade and subject. If federal tests are paused, test-based items can be left out during that period. Districts must also use a single statewide system for student records and data sharing.

More teacher training and class-size transparency

Every elementary school must have at least four professional development days each year, with at least three tied to the school’s improvement plan. The Department gives districts clear guidance on how to plan to reduce class sizes and what to report. The Department tells each district the minimum number of teachers expected from class-size funds. Districts must post class-size and enrollment reports and list any schools with state-approved variances. Each year by November 15, the Department sends staffing and enrollment totals to state budget offices.

New class-size tracking and waivers

The state now measures pupil-to-teacher ratios once per school year, not each quarter. Districts must report average enrollment and K–3 class-size ratios by October 1 each year. If a school goes over allowed ratios, the district must request a variance for the next year. The State Board can grant variances for good cause and must report on them. The Department will monitor district plans, check reports, review variances, and manage class-size reduction funds.

New commission to recruit and keep teachers

The law creates a Commission on Recruitment and Retention inside the Department of Education. It studies pay, health coverage, mentoring, scholarships, endorsements, and loan forgiveness for teachers with five or more years of service. It files interim reports by November 15 of odd‑numbered years and full recommendations by November 15 of even‑numbered years. The state appropriates $500,000 to fund these studies.

New makeup and ethics for charter board

The State Public Charter School Authority has nine members with set appointing leaders and required expertise. Two members must be parents. Members must live in the state and generally cannot have direct financial ties to charter schools. No more than two members may be charter teachers or administrators, and only if their school has not had one of the three lowest ratings.

New trustee districts and board rules

Large districts must create seven trustee election districts. Mid-size districts must also create seven districts, with five smaller and two larger ones by population. School boards in large districts have 11 members: seven elected, one named by county commissioners, and three named by the biggest cities. Elected trustees must live in and be chosen by their district. Appointed members have the same rights as elected ones and can serve as officers. Appointments to fill terms must be made 30–90 days before a term ends. Trustee terms last four years and start the first Monday in January.

Pilot adds STEM to K-3 reading

If money is available, the state will fund a pilot to blend science, technology, engineering, and math into reading lessons in kindergarten through grade 3. Schools apply through a request for proposals. Grantees must report early results by June 1 after they start. The State Board will review the results to decide whether to extend or expand the pilot.

School funding study and Commission support

The Commission on School Funding must study school funding and report findings and recommendations by November 15, 2026. The study reviews reporting consolidation, data capacity, MTSS funding and staffing, cost allocation, staffing levels, funding weights, how to identify at‑risk pupils, and charter funding. The state also provides $400,000 for analysis and research, $250,000 to review revenue and tax structures, and $20,000 for meetings and travel. Any leftover Commission funds must revert by September 17, 2027.

Temporary relief from school reporting

A superintendent’s order that changes, suspends, or ends a reporting rule is binding while in force and ends on July 1 of the next odd‑numbered year. Superintendents and charter boards must send petition information to the state in a standard format. By February 1 of each odd‑numbered year, the state must report participation, decisions, reasons, and trends to the Legislature. The Department and State Board can write rules for the petition process, including format, review standards, and how teacher and administrator input is gathered.

Terms and pay for charter authority board

Appointed members of the State Public Charter School Authority serve three‑year terms starting July 1. The members choose a Chair and Vice Chair for two‑year terms starting July 1 of odd years. Members may be paid up to $80 per meeting day plus state travel pay.

Tracking results for scholarship students

Schools with students on scholarship grants must submit a signed report on those students’ academic progress by August 1 each year. The Department analyzes the data and, by February 1, sends an anonymous summary and recommendations to state leaders. The summary goes to the Legislature in odd years and the Joint Interim Committee on Education in even years.

When these school changes start

Different parts of this law start on set dates. Many parts take effect July 1, 2025; others take effect for all purposes on July 1, 2026 after early regulation work, and more start on July 1, 2027, October 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, and July 1, 2030. Two sections expire June 30, 2029. Extra local government costs tied to this act are exempt from NRS 354.599, and report requirements in this act are exempt from NRS 218D.380. Statutes will also replace “low‑performing” with “Focus” and “underperforming” with “Priority.”

Stricter checks for educator background

If you apply for an initial educator license, you must submit fingerprints and let the state send them to the FBI. Starting with your first renewal after July 1, 2029, you must submit fingerprints again and pay processing fees, but total renewal fees cannot exceed the pre–July 1, 2026 cap. With your consent, the state may enroll you in ongoing criminal-history notifications, and must destroy retained fingerprints when you are no longer licensed.

Higher educator license fees; military waivers

The minimum fee for initial educator licenses and renewals is $100. The Department may waive initial, renewal, or duplicate license fees for veterans, active‑duty service members, and their spouses.

K-3 teachers need literacy course by 2028

Starting on or after July 1, 2028, anyone applying for or renewing a license to teach kindergarten through grade 3 must complete an approved course in foundational literacy. A free professional development option may be available through a regional training program. Teacher-prep programs must include this content.

New evaluator training and pay rules

The Department ensures districts use evaluation frameworks that measure strong teaching, and districts report teacher data each year. Only administrators certified under a new state framework may conduct evaluations. Teacher‑prep programs may be required to add a foundational literacy course to qualify graduates to teach K–3. Starting July 1, 2025, the new differential pay scale applies only where it does not conflict with contracts in place on that date; existing contracts control when there is a conflict.

Who can get a scholarship

You apply to a registered scholarship group, which can charge up to $25 per family application. Your household income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, verified using federal guidelines. Grants are awarded in this order: prior‑year recipients with on‑time, complete applications; their siblings; then others by application date. Ties favor lower‑income families and students from lower‑rated public schools, and then random selection if still tied.

Changes to local school precinct rules

Large school districts no longer have to run every local school precinct with site‑based decision‑making. Each public school still counts as a precinct, and charter schools and the special university school remain excluded. Specialty schools keep protections that limit reductions or conversions, and precincts cannot change attendance zones or selection rules for those specialty schools.

Elementary schools must plan and improve

Every public elementary school must file a student achievement plan that follows federal ESSA rules and send it to the state and the district board or charter sponsor. Each plan must set a 3‑year strategy, yearly goals, a teacher hiring plan for direct instruction, and remedial help in reading, math, and science based on test results. Goals must measure student growth and how many reach proficiency. If a school misses its goals three years in a row, it must get extra support and guidance from the Education Service Center, and the principal must be evaluated and may be removed if ineffective. The annual accountability report must show progress on each plan’s goals and benchmarks.

Faster state fixes for failing schools

The Department reviews a school after probation or two years. If goals are not met, the State Superintendent labels it persistently underperforming and alerts leaders. Within 60 days, the Superintendent submits a fix plan for the Oversight Board to approve. A remedy must be approved and in place by December 31 that year. Each remedy runs six years with state monitoring and support, a formal review before the term ends, and five‑year checkups if the plan becomes indefinite. Options can include leadership changes, direct state management, or other corrective steps.

How school turnarounds run day-to-day

If replacing the principal is approved, the district must start at once and have the new leader in place by the next school year. The district or charter board must review and try to fund a new principal’s critical cost requests that align with the plan. Any policy waivers must be written up and approved by state and local leaders. For schools under direct state management, the Department provides coaching, teacher training, outside experts, and grants for resources or incentives.

Local voice and needs tests for charters

A local school board can vote within 10 business days to object to a proposed charter that does not meet community needs. Approved sponsors must study local student demographics, academic needs, and at‑risk students before approving new charters. The State Public Charter School Authority can override a local objection only by making clear findings that the board’s assessment is wrong. By January 31 each year, the Authority and Department publish a statewide needs report.

More oversight for low-rated principals

When a principal is rated minimally effective or ineffective, the superintendent or sponsor must send an annual growth plan to the state, which reviews it each year. If the principal stays, they must reapply for the job every two years and submit an annual growth plan until the school meets its goals.

More oversight of school-choice scholarship groups

Organizations that give school‑choice scholarships must register with the Department and meet eligibility checks. They must file quarterly recipient lists, annual financial statements by an independent CPA, and make records available on request. The Department posts a public directory and sends regular summaries to state leaders and the tax agency. These steps increase transparency for families using scholarships.

Pilot innovation schools with more freedom

Starting July 1, 2026, districts and the charter authority can name some schools as innovation schools through a small pilot. At least 25% of staff must show interest and a majority must vote yes, and collective bargaining stays in place. Each school’s plan must explain challenges, set measurable goals, and list requested freedoms in curriculum, budgeting, staffing, schedules, and training. Pilots can be revoked for missed benchmarks or legal issues, and the state will set review rules. Caps limit how many pilot schools each county can have.

School turnaround plans and outside oversight

When a school is put on probation, the principal must submit a detailed improvement plan within 60 days. The State Superintendent has 30 days to approve or deny it; if denied, the principal must revise it within 30 days. The approved plan must be carried out and posted on the school’s website. The Superintendent may appoint an independent school improvement official, who has no conflicts, is paid by the school or district at a state‑set rate, tracks progress quarterly, provides training support, and files an annual report.

State help or takeover for failing schools

The state may give extra help to persistently underperforming schools that are carrying out corrective measures. Help can include principal coaching, ongoing teacher training, and funding for school needs. If direct management is approved, the State Superintendent takes control and appoints a turnaround director with full control of instruction, operations, and finances. The director must run a full turnaround plan with clear benchmarks, evidence‑based strategies, timelines, and reviews of any policy waivers.

Tighter rules on charter changes and restarts

Sponsors must hold a public hearing for big charter contract changes, like adding grades, large enrollment shifts above 120% or below 80%, new facilities, or mergers. These changes need approval from both the State Public Charter School Authority and the sponsor. Sponsors must deny requests to add facilities or consolidate if a school is underperforming or lacks a feasible plan. When a charter is ended or restarted, the sponsor must send a written report within 10 days. The Department will set restart rules, including first enrollment for returning students, and sponsors may keep some schools open under narrow performance exceptions.

When a school is low-performing

A school is labeled low‑performing if it meets set criteria in at least two of the last three years, such as very low ratings, bottom‑20% scores, very low graduation rates, or many grade‑3 students not reading on time. The state posts the list the same day it posts ratings, and districts or sponsors must also post it. Principals must notify parents with performance data, the improvement plan and timeline, supports and resources, and transfer options. The school goes on probation starting the next school year and stays on probation until it no longer qualifies as low‑performing. School‑level interventions must be approved by the Public Education Oversight Board before they start.

New rules for scholarship donations

Scholarship organizations must tell the Department of Taxation within 10 days when they receive a taxpayer donation. Donations held by the organization cannot be carried forward more than five years after the donation year. These rules improve oversight and help move funds into scholarships rather than sitting unused.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Angela D. Taylor
Democratic • Senate
Dina Neal
Democratic • Senate
Edgar Flores
Democratic • Senate
FabianDeputy Majority Whip Doñate
Democratic • Senate
James Ohrenschall
Democratic • Senate
MelanieChief Majority Whip Scheible
Democratic • Senate
Michelee "Shelly" Cruz-Crawford
Democratic • Senate
RobertaAssistant Majority Leader Lange
Democratic • Senate
Rochelle T. Nguyen
Democratic • Senate
SkipDeputy Majority Whip Daly
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 4

House vote • 6/2/2025

Final Passage - Assembly (1st Reprint)

Yes: 38 • No: 4

Senate vote • 6/1/2025

Final Passage - Senate (As Introduced)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Chapter 506.
6/11/2025legislature
Approved by the Governor.
6/10/2025legislature
Enrolled and delivered to Governor.
6/6/2025legislature
To enrollment.
6/4/2025Senate
Assembly Amendment No. 976 concurred in.
6/2/2025Senate
In Senate.
6/2/2025Senate
To Senate.
6/2/2025House
From printer. To reengrossment. Reengrossed. Second reprint.
6/2/2025House
To printer.
6/2/2025House
Read third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved, as amended. (Yeas: 38, Nays: 4.)
6/2/2025House
Dispensed with reprinting.
6/2/2025House
Read third time. Amended. (Amend. No. 976.)
6/2/2025House
Declared an emergency measure under the Constitution.
6/2/2025House
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended.
6/2/2025House
Rereferred to Committee on Education. To committee.
6/1/2025House
Withdrawn from Committee on Ways and Means.
6/1/2025House
Read first time. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means. To committee.
6/1/2025House
In Assembly.
6/1/2025House
From printer. To engrossment. Engrossed. First reprint. To Assembly.
6/1/2025Senate
Read third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved, as amended. (Yeas: 21, Nays: None.) To printer.
6/1/2025Senate
Reprinting dispensed with.
6/1/2025Senate
Read third time. Amended. (Amend. No. 925.)
6/1/2025Senate
Taken from General File. Placed on General File for next legislative day.
5/31/2025Senate
Read second time.
5/30/2025Senate
Placed on Second Reading File.
5/30/2025Senate

Bill Text

As Enrolled
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As Introduced
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Reprint 1
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Reprint 2
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