SRC-JRN S.B. 523 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 523 By: Bivins Education 2-23-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, a student must be represented by his or her parent or guardian at an expulsion hearing for the student. However, it is unclear if a school district is allowed to hold an expulsion hearing if a student or his or her parent or guardian do not show for the hearing. This bill allows a student to be entitled to representation from a parent or guardian, but provides that a hearing may be held with or without a student's or the parent's or guardian's representation, if the school district makes a goodfaith effort to inform the student and the parent or guardian of the hearing. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 523 allows an expelled student to be entitled to representation from a parent or guardian, but provides that an expulsion hearing may be held with or without a student's or the parent's or guardian's representation, if the school district makes a good-faith effort to inform the student and the parent or guardian of the hearing. 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 37.009(f), Education Code, to provide that a student is entitled to be represented, rather than must be represented, by a parent or guardian who can provide guidance to the student at a hearing for the student. Authorizes a school district to hold a student's hearing with or without a student and the student's parent or guardian, if the district makes a good-faith effort to inform the student and the student's parent or guardian of the hearing. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act takes effect beginning with the 1997-1998 school year. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.