The Texas Commission on Virtual Education held its second meeting Wednesday, March 31, 2022, in Austin. The 13-member commission was created by House Bill (HB) 3643 by Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian), which the 87th Texas Legislature passed in 2021. The commission is charged with studying virtual education and making policy recommendations to the 88th Texas Legislature, which meets in January 2023.

Commission members heard invited testimony Wednesday from several virtual education providers, including programs operated by universities, public school districts, regional education service centers (ESC), and national charter school chains. Providers spent the majority of their time touting the benefits of virtual education for certain students and seeking additional state funding. Providers acknowledged that most students do better in brick-and-mortar settings, and none offered suggestions for identifying in advance which students would perform well in a virtual setting.

The commission’s report is due by December 31. The next meeting is scheduled for April 27. Commission Chair Rex Gore, who also sits on the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), did not offer any new information as to when public testimony may be permitted. At the commission's first meeting in February, Gore stated he intends to limit public testimony to a single hearing.