SRC-JRN S.B. 1714 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1714
By: Patterson
State Affairs
4-10-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

The concept of charter schools was created in the 74th Legislature,
wherein a private entity could contract with a school district to
establish a school which determines its own course structure and
curricula.  Texas law does not provide parents with a method for observing
or commenting on the decisions of a charter school's administration.  This
bill provides that a charter school may be included in the definition of a
governmental body by allowing charter schools to be reviewed under the
Open Records Act. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1714 provides that a charter school may be included in
the definition of a governmental body by allowing charter schools to be
reviewed under the Open Records Act. 

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 552.003(1), Government Code, to redefine
"governmental board," to include a charter school.  Makes conforming
changes. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.