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.