SRC-MAX C.S.S.B. 247 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 247
By: Nelson
Education
2-18-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, a minor is required to attend school until the academic year in
which the child's 17th birthday occurs, with few exceptions.  This bill
changes the year in which a minor is allowed to make a decision concerning
attending school and makes such policies more uniform.   S.B. 247 requires
a minor to participate in compulsory education until the academic year in
which the child's 18th birthday occurred, rather than 17th birthday, with
few exceptions. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.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

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.085(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 and is attending a course of
instruction to prepare for the high school equivalency examination and has
permission of the child's parent or guardian to attend the course, is
required by court order to attend the course, has established a residence
separate and apart from the child's parent, guardian or other person
having lawful control of the child 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.    

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends SECTION 1, Section 25.085(b), Education Code, to require a child
who has not yet reached his or her 18th birthday to attend school. 

Amends SECTION 2, Section 25.086(a), Education Code, to exempt from the
requirements of compulsory school attendance  a child who is at least 17
years of age and has established a residence separate and apart from the
child's parent, guardian, or other person having lawful control of the
child, or is homeless by 42 U.S.C. Section 11302.