The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments. ATPE members: Share your thoughts and ask our lobby team questions in The Rotunda on the ATPE Online Community. 

• ATPE requests clarification on HB 2 implementation
• Sen. Kelly Hancock (R–North Richland Hills) takes senior position at state comptroller’s office 
• It’s not too late to register for the ATPE Summit 
• Use ATPE’s member advocacy tools to stay in the know and take action 

HB 2: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) issued guidance June 12 regarding implementation of the new Teacher Retention Allotment (TRA) and Support Staff Retention Allotment (SSRA) provisions in House Bill (HB) 2 by Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado), the school finance bill passed by the 89th Legislature.  

Although TEA’s “To the Administrator Addressed” letter cleared up some questions for public school employees, three specific areas remain unclear, and on June 18 ATPE formally requested clarification from Commissioner of Education Mike Morath in a letter sent to the commissioner.  

ATPE seeks clarification on the bill’s language regarding the eligibility of uncertified teachers for the TRA, which central office employees are considered to work in supervisory roles under HB 2 and therefore are not eligible for the TRA, and the eligibility of school district employees with dual or multiple positions for the TRA. 

Read more in this blog post by ATPE Marketing & Engagement Director Kate Johanns. 

COMPTROLLER: Sen. Kelly Hancock (R–North Richland Hills) took a senior position at the state comptroller’s office Thursday, making him the presumed interim comptroller once current Comptroller Glenn Hegar leaves the position July 1 to become chancellor of Texas A&M University. Hancock also announced his candidacy Thursday for the open statewide position, and Gov. Greg Abbott (R) quickly endorsed him. Who fills the open position is notable for the education community as the comptroller’s office is tasked with implementing the education savings accounts/voucher program contained in Senate Bill 2. Other declared Republican candidates in the race for comptroller are Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick and former State Sen. Don Huffines. Read more in The Texas Tribune. 

SUMMIT: The 2025 ATPE Summit is just under three weeks away, but there’s still time to register. Join us at the summit for Beats & Boutiques, a festival-inspired evening social; hear a legislative update from the ATPE lobby team; get valuable member recruitment and retention tips from ATPE’s volunteer training sessions; and enjoy keynote presentations by inspiring speakers Dave Davlin and Jonathan Alsheimer.  

We are also adding a new session before our opening keynote at 1 p.m. Monday, July 7: HB 2 Compensation Overview. ATPE Member Legal Services and ATPE Governmental Relations team members will break down the ins and outs of educator compensation changes under HB 2. 

With the addition of the HB 2 session, you’ll have the opportunity to earn up to eight hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit during the summit, including two hours at your choice of 12 different breakout sessions.  

We look forward to seeing you at the summit July 7–9 at the JW Austin Marriott Downtown.

After the summit, join educators across Texas for an exclusive LIVE online event at 5 p.m. CT Tuesday, July 15, featuring an energizing presentation from Jonathan Alsheimer, plus games, giveaways, and a few fun surprises! Learn more and sign up here. 

Artists’ appearances arranged through Gotham Artists. 

MEMBER ADVOCACY: The legislative session may be over, but we urge you to stay in the know and take action year-round. Here are a few advocacy resources to check out: 

• Judy: Chat with ATPE’s new AI assistant for Texas educators, ready to help you with all things ATPE and all things #txed.   
• Advocacy Central: Get in touch with your elected officials about the legislation impacting your profession. 
• ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP): Enroll in ATPE-MAP to earn the state-level and recently released local-level advocacy microcredential, as well as earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit. ATPE-MAP is included in your member benefits, so check it out today.    
• The Rotunda: Don’t forget, members, that you can interact with your ATPE lobby team throughout the week when you log in to the ATPE Online Community.