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.