SRC-TNM S.B. 1361 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1361
By: West
Education
4-4-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, there have been increasing incidents of school age youth being
handled by youth agencies. S.B. 1 addressed this subject in order to keep
children from roaming the streets in the event of expulsion from school.
However, S.B. 1 did not address the situation of  unsupervised children,
sometimes referred to as "latchkey kids," between the times of 3 p.m. to 6
p.m. during the week. Data has shown that many incidents leading to youth
being handled by youth agencies are the result of a decrease in
supervision and after-school programs.  S.B. 1362 would authorize the
commissioner of education to develop pilot programs, evaluate them, and
report to the 76th Legislature. 
  
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1361 outlines provisions regarding the establishment of
pilot after-school programs. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the commissioner of education under
SECTION 1 (section 29.086, Education Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 29C, Education Code, by adding Section 29.086,
as follows: 

Section 29.086. PILOT AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS. Requires the commissioner of
education (commissioner) to promulgate and issue rules for the
establishment of after-school programs to assist school districts that
have high rates of children handled by youth agencies, police departments,
juvenile courts, and justices of the peace.  Provides that such programs
will be conducted as pilots for the school year 1997-98 and 1998-99.  Sets
forth requirements to be included in the program.  Requires the
commissioner to develop an appropriate funding mechanism based on the date
relating to youth being handled by youth agencies including police
departments, juvenile courts, and justices of the peace.  Prohibits funds
expended for the 1998-99 biennium from exceeding $10 million.  Requires
the commissioner to conduct an evaluation of such pilot programs and
report the findings to the 76th Legislature. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.