AUSTIN, Texas – On April 17, companion bills SB 569 by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) and HB 2196 by Representative Keith Bell (R-Forney) officially passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature and are now headed to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature. This legislation is one of the first bills to pass both chambers and sent to Governor Abbott.

SB 569/HB 2196 creates a comprehensive framework for virtual and hybrid programs under a new Chapter 30B of the Texas Education Code. The legislation empowers districts and charter schools to offer high-quality, full-time virtual or hybrid education options, protects funding stability during emergencies, and ensures parents and students have more say in choosing a learning environment that meets their needs.

The bill garnered bipartisan support in both the Senate and House. In the Senate, it was authored by Senators Bettencourt, Flores, Middleton, Parker, Paxton, West, and Zaffirini, with Senator Hagenbuch joining as a co-author. In the House, it was championed by Representatives Bell, Ashby, Buckley, Shaheen, Morales, and Toth as sponsors and co-sponsors.

“This legislation will successfully prevent Texas virtual schools from closing, ensuring tens of thousands of students can continue learning in an environment that works best for them and their families,” said Senator Bettencourt. “By supporting virtual and hybrid learning models with strong accountability and transparency, this legislation empowers parents, supports teachers, and helps districts meet students where they are.”

“The successes of the past few years have demonstrated the critical need for access to virtual and hybrid learning, especially as we continue discussions on the broader topic of school choice,” said Representative Bell. “This legislation offers a modern structure that empowers school districts to meet the needs of students, whether through access to virtual calculus, French language, hybrid CTE programs, dual credit offerings or flexible instruction for children in foster care. For many students and families, this is not only an essential choice—it’s an essential lifeline. SB 569 is about kids!”

The bill also received robust public support from families, students, and educators who see virtual education as essential to educational equity and opportunity.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Senator Bettencourt, Representative Bell, and every lawmaker who stood up for student choice and educational flexibility. Virtual schools in Texas serve over 41,000 students, some of whom face unique challenges that make traditional schooling difficult. For them, virtual school isn’t just about academics, but also safety, stability, and the chance to succeed,” said Kyla Pickrell, Executive Director of the Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville. “This bill would not have passed without the powerful voices of students, parents, and educators who shared their stories and fought for this option.”

“Virtual education empowers students like me to reach our fullest potential,” said 15-year-old Hope Faith Wiggins, a student at Texas Online Preparatory School. “I’m able to maintain a 4.0 GPA while also taking college courses, serving in student leadership, and working on the causes I care about—because I have the flexibility and support to do it all. This bill ensures that other students like me have the same opportunities.”

Virtual school in Texas:
-Are public schools, so there is no tuition.
-Are led by Texas-certified teachers.
-Offer advanced coursework, AP classes, and specialized programs that aren’t available in every district.
-Are available to any Texas student in grades K–12 by providing proof of enrollment in a Texas public school during the previous school year, such as a transcript or report card.
-Provide instructional materials and enrollment consultants to address technological questions and needs.

About Parents for School Options:
Parents for School Options is an advocacy group that supports families and their pursuit of free and equitable access to a high-quality education. We defend the family’s right to choose options that are safe, enriched, and suit the needs of each individual child.