SRC-JRN S.B. 246 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 246
By: Nelson
Education
2-10-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law does not require the cause for excusing a child from
school, resulting in the temporary absence of the child, to be written and
signed by the parent of the child.  Parents are concerned that schools and
students will be allowed to determine excused absences without parental
consent, leading to parents not knowing where their children are while
school is in session.  This bill requires  the reason for a student's
absence to be stated in writing and signed by the parent of the child. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 246 requires the reason for the absence of a student
excused from school to be stated in writing and signed by the parent of
the child. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.087(a), Education Code, to authorize a
teacher, principal, or superintendent of a school to temporarily excuse a
child, based on acceptable causes, from a school in which the child in
enrolled.  Requires the reason for the absence to be stated in writing and
signed by the parent or parental person of the child. 

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-1998
school year. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.