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.