JLM S.B. 247 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC EDUCATION
S.B. 247
By: Nelson (Culberson)
5-18-97
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, a minor is required to attend school until the academic year in
which the child's 17th birthday occurs, with few exceptions.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 247 requires a minor to participate in compulsory
education until the academic year in which the child's 18th birthday
occurs, with few exceptions.  

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 25.085(b), Education Code, to require a child
who has not yet   reached his or her 18th birthday, rather than 17th
birthday, to attend school.  

SECTION 2. Amends Section 25.086(a), Education Code, to provide that a
child is exempt   from the requirements of compulsory school attendance if
the child is at least 17   years of age, is attending a course of
instruction to prepare for the high school   equivalency examination
through permission of the child's parent or guardian or   by court order
to attend the course, has established a residence separate and apart
from the child's parent or guardian, or is homeless as defined by 42
U.S.C. 
  Section 11302, among other exemptions. 

SECTION 3.  Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-1998
school year.  

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.  
  Effective date:  upon passage.    

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT 1. Amends Section 25.095(a) of the Education Code by adding a
requirement    for a school district to notify a student's parent or
guardian in writing if the    student has been absent without an excuse
twice during any part of the day    within a four-week period. Also adds
subsection (b) revising the      required information on the notice.