SRC-JRN S.B. 433 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 433 By: Lucio Education 4-10-97 Committee Report (Amended) DIGEST Currently, school districts are allowed to begin the school calendar year according to the school district's needs. Many communities that depend on summer tourism have expressed the concern that revenue is lost because families often must leave early for their students to return to school. S.B. 433 establishes a statewide start date for schools, which provides for greater coordination of family and student activities during the summer season. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 433 establishes a statewide start date for schools, which provides for greater coordination of family and student activities during the summer season. 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 Chapter 25C, Education Code, by adding Section 25.0811, as follows: Sec. 25.0811. FIRST INSTRUCTIONAL DAY. Prohibits a school district from beginning instruction for students for a school year before September 1. Requires the commissioner of education to grant exemptions upon written request. SECTION 2. Amends Section 25.084(a), Education Code, to authorize a school district to modify the first day of instruction for students for a school year, if the district adopts a year-round system. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 3. Provides that Sections 25.0811 and 25.084(a), Education Code, apply beginning with the 1997-198 school year. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Amendment 1. Amends Section 25.0811, Education Code, to require the commissioner of education to grant exemptions upon written request by the school district.