SRC-JRN S.B. 1359 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1359
By: West
Education
4-5-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the commissioner of education is required to appoint a hearing
officer to determine timeliness in matters relating to teachers requesting
a hearing regarding the teacher's proposed termination.  Because there may
be a lack of clarity in the law regarding the timeliness in which the
commissioner may rule on a teacher's hearing, some local school districts
may spend unnecessary fees in order for a teacher's case to receive a
hearing.  This bill requires the commissioner to exercise final
jurisdiction involving disputes relating to timeliness of teacher appeals. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1359 requires the commissioner of education to exercise
final jurisdiction involving disputes relating to timeliness of teacher
appeals. 

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 21.253, Education Code, to require the
commissioner of education to exercise final jurisdiction involving
disputes relating to timeliness of teacher appeals. 

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-1998
school year. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.