News

Summary of the 89th Texas Legislative Session and Its Impact on Fine Arts Education

Date: July 9, 2026

The 89th Texas Legislative session brought both opportunities and challenges for fine arts education. Throughout the session, the Texas Arts Education Campaign (TAEC) and partner organizations worked to promote funding, preserve student access to fine arts courses, and ensure arts education remained an essential component of a well-rounded K–12 education.

Advancing the Case for Fine Arts Funding

A major highlight of the session was the inclusion of a Fine Arts Allotment in early versions of the public school finance legislation, HB 2. This marked an unprecedented milestone, as dedicated funding for fine arts education was included in a major school finance proposal. Although the allotment did not survive the final legislative process, the proposal received substantial legislative support and generated meaningful discussion about the need for weighted funding for fine arts programs. This creates continued momentum for the next legislative sessions.

Protecting Student Access to the Arts

Another major legislative issue involved SB 25. Early versions of the bill proposed increasing the number of middle school physical education semesters from 4 to 6. Fine arts advocates expressed concern that the additional PE requirements would reduce students' elective opportunities and reduce participation in sequential arts courses in middle school. Through advocacy efforts, TAEC helped secure changes that preserved the existing four-semester PE requirement. As a result, students continue to have greater flexibility to participate in music, theater, dance, art, and other fine arts programs.

Expanding Recognition in Accountability Systems

The session also saw continued advocacy for the inclusion of fine arts measures in the state accountability system. TAEC promoted recognition of fine arts participation as an indicator of college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) and advocated for greater consideration of arts programs within the A–F accountability framework. TAEC will continue advocating to include fine arts metrics as part of the CCMR.

Navigating New Policy Requirements

SB 12, commonly referred to as the “Parental Rights Bill,” created new considerations for school districts and fine arts educators. The legislation requires local school boards to establish policies to reduce DEI and other activities, and it includes a cause of action for employee conduct. Fine arts leaders have noted that the implementation of SB 12 may affect areas such as performance attire, theatrical productions, instructional practices, and interactions with students, and that districts are developing local guidance to comply with the law.

Preparing for the 90th Legislature

TAEC will continue its work in the 90th Legislative Session to advocate for the support and protection of fine arts education for students in Texas. TAEC will collaborate with TMEA to survey general election candidates on their positions regarding Fine Arts in schools and will share the survey results with all fine arts association members and publicize the responses on social media and other communications channels.

The next session will start in January, so remain aware, get to know your local candidates, and be an active advocate for fine arts education in Texas!

TAEC Leads Effort to Protect Electives for Middle School Students    

Date: May 31, 2025

On Saturday, May 24, the TAEC team successfully amended SB 25 on the floor of the House to restore the middle school physical activity requirement to current law - 4 semesters instead of 6, thus protecting elective opportunities for middle school students, especially in eighth grade.   Representative Brad Buckley, chairman, House Public Education Committee presented the amendment. He was superb as was Representative VanDeaver, chairman, House Public Health Committee, who worked the back mike on the floor to support him. The amendment was adopted 97-36. The bill then passed the House by a solid majority as well as on 3rd reading the following day.   

SB 25 was then sent back to the Senate for either acceptance of the House amendments or creation of a conference committee to work out the differences.   

On this past Wednesday on the floor of the Senate, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, author of SB 25,  concurred with the House amendments, and thus physical activity requirements in middle school will stay at four semesters in grades 6-8, protecting a full-year elective for fine arts or other courses of choice.

Thanks to the role of the TAEC leadership team as well as your individual contributions throughout the session, and gratitude for lobbyists Matt Matthews and Julia Grizzard for boots on the ground in the capitol throughout this exercise.   

More information on the outcome of the session will be shared after the session concludes on June 2.                                                                                                                                  

Legislative Update and Critical Call to Action

Date: May 2-6, 2025

We had a great Texas Fine Arts Day at the Capitol this past Tuesday!  These last few days of the session are critical to ensuring that weighted fine arts funding is included in the new budget. 

The fine arts allotment is currently in House Bill 2, but we believe it will be taken out of the Senate version.

You must contact your Senator NOW by phone or email and share the following message to protect fine arts funding in the bill. School district personnel should use a personal email account.

You may locate your senator by looking up the information here: Who Represents Me

 Senator__________________,

As a constituent in your legislative district, I thank the Senate for the wonderful dialogue in support of arts education programs in our schools on the floor of the Senate last Tuesday during Texas Fine Arts Education Day. I am asking you to keep and protect the fine arts allotment in HB 2 in the Senate version of the education funding bill. Fine arts education is critical to student success and engagement!

Be brief and polite and share one sentence in your own words about how these programs deserve their support.              

Thank you!

Joe Munoz
Robert Floyd
TAEC Cochairs

TEXAS MONTHLY:

“Fine Arts Programs Are the Jewels of Our Public School System! It’s Time We Finally Funded Them.”

The Texas Monthly February 2025 issue names arts education as the crown jewel of Texas public schools in its special education defining what our schools actually need!  Share the link  as a part of your advocacy effort and pick up your own copy.  

March 20, 2025 - TAEC testifies on the impact of HB25 on loss of electives for students

A subcommittee of the House Public Health Committee heard testimony on HB 25 relating to health and nutrition standards to promote healthy living. If passed in its current version, the bill would increase physical activity in middle school from four to six semesters, potentially eliminating a full year elective in either seventh or eighth grade. Because of state and local requirements, electives for students to engage in sequential study in the arts in middle school is becoming more and more difficult. In addition, a proposed substitute bill will also add a ½ credit graduation requirement in nutrition education, taking away another full credit elective at the high school level in fine arts. TAEC is continuing to advocate for language change to eliminate these added course requirements for students. Mike Howard, Director of Fine Arts, Leander ISD, testified on behalf of TAEC as well as for Texas Fine Arts Administrators (TFAA).

March 6, 2025 - TMEA Executive Director and TAEC Co-Chair Joe Munoz delivers testimony to House Public Education Committee

On March 4, Joe Munoz delivered powerful testimony  in support of HB 2, highlighting the importance of weighted fine arts funding. Munoz thanked lawmakers for recognizing fine arts' vital role in a well-rounded education, preparing students for the workforce, and strengthening the Texas economy — all the while building lifelong skills.

February 24, 2025 - House Public Education and Fine Arts Caucus Chair Brad Buckley shares Fine Arts thoughts at TAEC-sponsored Lunch and Learn Event at Capitol for legislative staffers.

On February 24th, TAEC hosted a Lunch and Learn at the Capitol to spotlight the vital role fine arts education plays in preparing Texas students for the future workforce. With labor shortages and a rapidly evolving job market, creative and adaptable thinking—skills taught in fine arts classrooms—are more essential than ever.

Special guest Chairman Buckley shared a personal and inspiring story about how fine arts programs in high school shaped the lives of his daughters—equipping them with lifelong skills that continue to positively impact their careers and personal growth long after graduation.

TAEC leadership also presented compelling data showing how fine arts education supports Texas' economy and helps develop the critical skills employers want—like creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Legislative staffer also learned how they can get involved through the Fine Arts Education Caucus and were encouraged to advocate for weighted fine arts funding, currently included in HB 2, to ensure all Texas students have access to quality fine arts education.