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Legislative Priorities
News and Information
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The 87th Texas Legislature convened on Jan. 12, 2021, and concluded in October 2021. The legislature meets every two years to set the state’s budget and consider and implement new legislation. The 2021 session was particularly important as the legislature grappled with the effects of COVID-19 and convened for the first time since the landmark 2019 session that adopted House Bill 3, a bill that instituted significant reforms to school finance.

For each legislative session, the Arlington ISD issues a legislative agenda with a series of priorities that are important to the district and public education in Texas. The district shares the agenda and priorities with our elected officials and seeks their support.

2021 Arlington ISD Legislative Priorities

COVID-19

COVID-19

Allocate state funds to ensure public education is not disrupted due to financial hardships created by COVID-19.

Funding

Funding

Identify state revenue sources to sustain the school finance system established by House Bill 3 and continue buying down school district property tax rates.

House Bill 3

House Bill 3

Ensure the Texas Education Agency (TEA) implements HB 3 in accordance with the bill’s intent and make adjustments as necessary.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Ensure the Texas Retirement System (TRS) continues the work it began following the last legislative session to increase access to affordable health insurance for public school employees.

Accountability

Accountability

Require a complete recalibration of the accountability system in 2021 to adjust for the impact of COVID-19, empower districts to develop local accountability metrics, and reduce reliance on the STAAR test.

Mental Health

Mental Health

Identify effective solutions and appropriate ongoing funding for identifying and serving students with mental health needs.

Local Authority

Local Authority

Preserve local authority as stated in Texas Education Code § 7.003: “An educational function not specifically delegated to the agency or the board under this code is reserved to and shall be performed by school districts ...”

Legislative News and Information

Legislative wrap-up

Learn about Arlington ISD’s legislative priorities Read how the district's priorities fared in Texas' 87th legislative session

April 19, 2022
The 87th Session of the Texas Legislature lasted quite a bit longer than normal. The regular session concluded on May 31, 2021, but three special sessions called by Governor Greg Abbott kept the legislators in Austin well into the fall. But it’s over now, so it’s time to assess the impact on school districts. Back…
Legislative Agenda - Priority G

LEARN ABOUT ARLINGTON ISD’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Priority G calls for local authority for school districts

May 25, 2021
The 87th Texas Legislature convened on Jan. 12, 2021, and will adjourn May 31, 2021. The legislature meets every two years to set the state’s budget and consider and implement new legislation. For each legislative session, the Arlington ISD issues a legislative agenda with a series of priorities that are important to the district and…
Legislative Agenda - Priority F

Learn about Arlington ISD’s legislative priorities Priority F focuses on mental health needs

May 21, 2021
The 87th Texas Legislature convened on Jan. 12, 2021, and will adjourn May 31, 2021. The legislature meets every two years to set the state’s budget and consider and implement new legislation. For each legislative session, the Arlington ISD issues a legislative agenda with a series of priorities that are important to the district and…
Legislative Agenda - Priority B

Learn about Arlington ISD’s legislative priorities Priority B calls for sustaining the school finance system and reducing tax rates

May 20, 2021
The 87th Texas Legislature convened on Jan. 12, 2021, and will adjourn May 31, 2021. The legislature meets every two years to set the state’s budget and consider and implement new legislation. For each legislative session, the Arlington ISD issues a legislative agenda with a series of priorities that are important to the district and…
Legislative Agenda - Priority A

Learn about Arlington ISD’s legislative priorities Priority A calls on the state to ensure public education funding during COVID-19

May 19, 2021
COVID-19 has been expensive for school districts The 87th Texas Legislature convened on Jan. 12, 2021, and will adjourn May 31, 2021. The legislature meets every two years to set the state’s budget and consider and implement new legislation. For each legislative session, the Arlington ISD issues a legislative agenda with a series of priorities…
Legislative Agenda - Why do legislative affairs matter to Arlington ISD?

Arlington ISD proactive in legislative affairs Learn about district's legislative efforts in first article of series

May 18, 2021
The 87th Texas Legislature convened on Jan. 12, 2021, and will adjourn May 31, 2021. The legislature meets every two years to set the state’s budget and consider and implement new legislation. For each legislative session, the Arlington ISD issues a legislative agenda with a series of priorities that are important to the district and…