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.