HB 2354 makes various changes to the regulation of open-enrollment charter schools in Texas, including modifications to admission, enrollment, employment policies, and legal classifications. It expands the types of charter schools to include adult education program charters. The bill grants charter schools certain legal protections and privileges similar to traditional public schools, such as being recognized as local government entities for specific legal and tax purposes. It allows charter schools to designate school crossing guards and receive certain tax benefits. Regarding admissions, the bill permits charter schools to implement weighted lotteries, giving preference to students who are eligible for special education programs, bilingual education, or are educationally disadvantaged. It also allows single-sex charter schools to limit enrollment based on biological sex as listed on a birth certificate. The bill requires public disclosure of admission policies, including lottery weighting criteria, on school websites. For employment, the bill maintains a requirement that principals and teachers hold a baccalaureate degree but makes an exception for career and technical education teachers in non-core subjects if they meet alternative qualification standards. These changes apply starting with the 2025-2026 school year​.