JLM C.S.H.B. 1648 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS PUBLIC EDUCATION C.S.H.B. 1648 By: Luna, Vilma 5-5-97 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND School attendance officers have the power and duty to investigate each instance of a student's unexcused absence from school. Currently, it is not clear if runaway status constitutes an excused absence from school. Attendance officers need clarification in carrying out their duties for enforcement. PURPOSE To give attendance officers clarification in carrying out their duties for enforcement. In addition, clarifications are made for the manner in which a warning to parents may be served. 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. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.087(a), Education Code, by stating that a teacher, principal, or superintendent may not excuse an absence under this subsection resulting from the voluntary absence of a child from the child's home that is without the consent of the child's parent or guardian and is for a substantial length of time or without intent to return. SECTION 2. Adds Section 25.0911, Education Code, stating that a school district administrator, school administrator, or constable designated in writing by an attendance officer may serve the parents with the legal process in the same manner as an attendance officer. SECTION 3. Amends Section 25.093, Education Code, by expanding the manner in which a warning for the purposes of this subsection is served on the parent. SECTION 4. Effective Date. SECTION 3. Emergency Clause. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE SECTION 1. In HB 1648, Section 51.03(b) of the Family Code was cited for reference purposes to describe runaway behavior. IN CSHB 1648 this reference is removed and replaced with language that describes runaway behavior.