The Alabama Legislature adjourned its regular legislative session on June 4. In late May, the Legislature approved, and in early June the governor signed the 2015-16 Education Trust Fund budget, which provides nearly $6 billion (up 1 percent) for all levels of education and a number of other programs. However, the governor vetoed House Bill 135, the 2015-16 general fund budget. As a result, the Legislature will convene in a special session prior to the start of the 2015-16 fiscal year on October 1.

The South Carolina General Assembly also adjourned on June 4. Legislators are scheduled to reconvene on June 16 to consider any governor’s vetoes and to complete work on the 2015-16 budget. 

The Texas Legislature adjourned on June 1 after completing work on the 2016-17 biennial budget. The budget provides nearly $114.1 billion (up 11.3 percent) in general funds over the biennium, including $41.2 billion (up 10.1 percent) for K-12 education and $17.4 billion (up 9.1 percent) for higher education. Lawmakers also approved education-related legislation, including House Bill 4, which establishes the high-quality prekindergarten grant program.

More details on final actions in these and other states will appear in upcoming editions of Legislative Report.