By: Buckley H.B. No. 3716 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the authorization of certain adult high school charter school programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 12, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 12.2551 to read as follows: Sec. 12.2551. ALTERNATIVE AUTHORIZATION. (a) Notwithstanding any other law and in addition to the other permissible methods for establishing a charter or campus under this chapter, the commissioner shall, on the basis of an application submitted, grant a charter under the program to the entities described by Subsection (b) to provide an adult education program for individuals described by Section 12.258 to successfully complete: (1) a high school program that can lead to a diploma; and (2) career and technology education courses that can lead to industry certification. (b) The following entities are eligible to submit an application under Subsection (a): (1) the board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a home-rule school district that has entered into a contract under Section 11.157 with a nonprofit entity described by Section 12.256 to operate the program; (2) a public junior college or public senior college or university, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, that has entered into a contract with a nonprofit entity described by Section 12.256 to operate the program; and (3) a governmental entity that has entered into a contract with a nonprofit entity described by Section 12.256 to operate the program. (c) The provisions of this chapter, including provisions related to assessment, accountability, and funding, govern a program authorized under this section. (d) The provisions of Section 12.255 do not apply to a charter granted under this section. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.