Austin, TX – Today, with unanimous, bipartisan support, Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) advanced Senate Bill 569 (SB 569) through the Texas Senate Education Committee. This marks a critical step in expanding access to high-quality virtual and hybrid education for Texas students. SB 569 builds on previous virtual learning reforms and incorporates key recommendations from the Texas Commission on Virtual Education. Chairman Creighton voted the bill out 11-0.

SB 569 establishes Chapter 30B of the Education Code, to provide a unified policy structure for virtual and hybrid instruction while repealing the patchwork of current laws. "The way Texas students learn is evolving, and SB 569 guarantees that our education system adapts to meet those changing needs," said Senator Bettencourt. "This bill empowers students, parents, and teachers with the tools for success.” He added.

Key Features of SB 569 that guarantee this:

• Delivers More Access to Advanced Coursework – allows students to enroll in up to three individual virtual Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual-credit courses, and specialized electives that may not be available at their local school.
• Provides Faster Pathways to Graduation and College Readiness – gives students more flexible time to pursue work based learning like apprenticeships, early graduation, and access to college credits while in high school, reducing time and costs of earning a degree.
• Enables High School Students to Earn an Associate Degree – students can complete up to two years of college coursework while in high school through virtual course offerings and dual-enrollment opportunities.
• Maintains Families Choices and Teacher Rights – prevents school districts from requiring virtual enrollment and from forcing in-person teachers to teach virtual classes without proper training or consent.
• Creates Clear Standards and Accountability Measures to uphold quality curriculum for virtual education providers.

During the Senate Education hearing, Chairman Gore of the Commission on Virtual Education emphasized the urgency of SB 569, stating… “It was the right time to pass Virtual Ed in 2023 and now in 2025, its overdue to win this for all students Former Senator Larry Taylor echoed the sentiment adding, “Virtual Education is match and fit, its not the future, it’s the present.”

SB 569 modernizes Texas’ approach to digital learning and responds effectively to increasing demands for flexible learning options. “Customized learning options to meet unique needs is a good thing for all Texas kids and families.” Senator Bettencourt concluded. Currently, there are 51,884 Texas students enrolled in virtual education.

###