Laws and Rules

The Texas Education Agency administers the laws and rules that govern education in the state. This page provides information on existing laws and rules, the process by which rules are adopted, and the enforcement of those rules.

Federal Laws and Rules

Special Education
Special Education in Texas is subject to a specific set of state and federal rules and regulations. This page includes information on special education laws dictated by federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), State Board of Education rules, commissioner's rules, and state laws.

No Child Left Behind and Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), amended as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), aims to close the achievement gap between groups of students through greater accountability and increased flexibility and choice.

State Administrative Rules

State Board of Education Rules - Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 
This page provides information on State Board of Education (SBOE) rulemaking, including links to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), proposed and adopted rules, and rule review.

Proposed SBOE Rules
This page provides links to all proposed new rules, proposed amendments to existing rules, and proposed repeals approved for first reading by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and filed with the Texas Register.

Commissioner of Education Rules - Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 
This page provides information on Commissioner of Education rulemaking, including links to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), proposed and adopted rules, and rule review.

Proposed Commissioner Rules
This page provides links to all proposed new rules, proposed amendments to existing rules, and proposed repeals approved by the Commissioner of Education and filed with the Texas Register.

State Board for Educator Certification Rules - Texas Administrative Code (TAC)
This page provides information on State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rulemaking, including links to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), proposed and adopted rules, and rule review. 

Proposed SBEC Rules
This page provides links to all proposed new rules, proposed amendments to existing rules, and proposed repeals approved by the State Board for Educator Certification and filed with the Texas Register.

Other State Laws

Texas Education Code (outside source)
The Texas Education Code includes all laws and rules passed by the state legislature. It applies to most educational institutions that are supported in whole or part by state tax funds.

Texas Constitution and Statutes (outside source)
Searchable index of all state codes and the Texas Constitution.  

Texas Administrative Code (outside source)
Compilation of all state agency rules in Texas.