BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2647

By: Sherman, Sr.

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Constituents have raised concerns regarding the lack of student voices on the boards of trustees of certain independent school districts and charter schools. Increasing student representation would allow students to represent what their peers need from the education system and encourage students to play a more active role in their education, creating better leaders of tomorrow by letting them lead today. H.B. 2647 seeks to give constituents, as well as students across Texas, a voice in the decisions surrounding their education by providing for the appointment of student trustees.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2647 amends the Education Code to authorize the board of trustees of a public school district, other than a district in which a school is operating under a campus turnaround plan, to appoint a student trustee in the manner and for a term prescribed by the board. The bill establishes that a student trustee is not a member of the board of trustees of a district for which the student is appointed, though the student has the same powers and duties as a member, including the right to attend and participate in open meetings of the board. The bill excepts from those powers the authority to vote on any matter before the board or make or second any motion before the board. The bill establishes that the student is not counted in determining whether a quorum exists for a meeting of the board or in determining the outcome of any vote of the board.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.