Sec. 32.033.  INTEGRATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM.  (a)  The agency, in coordination with institutions of higher education and other public or private entities, may maintain and expand, as needed, the telecommunications capabilities of school districts and regional education service centers.  The agency shall design and implement a telecommunications system for distance learning throughout the state.
(b)  To the extent necessary, the State Board of Education shall conduct feasibility studies related to accessible telecommunications capabilities of school districts and regional education service centers.
(c)  According to priorities determined by the State Board of Education, the commissioner may contract with a public broadcasting system or another supplier of telecommunications equipment, programming, training, or services to provide equipment, programming, training, or services to school districts, regional education service centers, or the agency.
(d)  In providing additional telecommunications capabilities under Subsection (a), the agency shall give priority to school districts with limited financial resources.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 201, Sec. 23, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.