BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 289
87R4470 MM-D	By: Seliger
	Education
	3/23/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

There are challenges around the state encountered by new drivers when scheduling their driving test and obtaining a learner's permit and a valid Texas driver's license. Currently, schools may not consider a student's absence as excused due to a scheduled learner's permit or license appointment. 

S.B. 289 permits a school district to adopt procedures to allow for a student, 15 years or older, to receive an excused absence if they can verify their absence was due to obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a driver's license or learner's permit. The bill limits this provision to one excused absence for a learner's permit appointment and one excused absence for a driver's license appointment. 

As proposed, S.B. 289 amends current law relating to excused absences from public school for certain students to obtain a driver's license or learner license.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.087, Education Code, by adding Subsection (b-7) and amending Subsection (d), as follows:

(b-7) Authorizes a school district to excuse a student who is 15 years of age or older from attending school to visit a driver's license office to obtain a driver's license or learner license, provided that:

(1) the district is prohibited from excusing more than one day of school during the period the student is enrolled in high school for obtaining a driver's license or a learner license; and

(2) the district verifies the student's visit to the driver's license office in accordance with procedures adopted by the district.

(d) Makes conforming changes.

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.