Relating to the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program.

HB 1429 clarifies retirement eligibility for employees of rural school partnerships participating in the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program under Texas' Foundation School Program. It amends the Education Code to ensure these employees qualify for Teacher Retirement System benefits if they would qualify for similar roles in a school district, removing a previous spending cap that limited partnership participation. The bill repeals Section 48.118(f) of the Education Code and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects rural school partnerships and their staff by streamlining retirement benefits and expanding program flexibility.