Governor Abbott Vetoes Senate Bill 496 (84R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto Senate Bill No. 496 as passed by the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
Currently, a school district can apply to the Texas Education Agency and request permission to offer a flexible school day program for the district's at-risk students. As filed, Senate Bill 496 addressed the financing of these programs. I am supportive of the original intent of the legislation; therefore, I have signed the bill's companion legislation, House Bill 2660.
Unfortunately, an objectionable piece of legislation that did not ultimately pass on its own merit was added to Senate 8il1 496 and significantly changed the bill's focus. Senate Bill 496 was amended to allow a school district to establish a flexible school day for entire campuses without approval from the Texas Education Agency. Allowing districts to drastically change the school calendar without TEA approval could cause unanticipated and untenable problems.
Since the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor
View a PDF of the veto here