Amend HB 3573 as follows: (1) On page 2, between lines 4 and 5, insert a new SECTION of the bill to read as follows: SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 33.0811 to read as follows: Sec. 33.0811. SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY ON ABSENCES TO PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. (a) Notwithstanding Section 33.081 (a), the board of trustees of a school district may adopt a policy establishing the number of times a student who is otherwise eligible to participate in an extracurricular activity under Section 33.081 may be absent from class to participate in a extracurrilcular activity sponsored or sanctioned by the district or the University Interscholastic League or by an organization sanctioned by resolution of the board of trustees of the district. (b) A policy adopted by the board of trustees of a district under this section: (1) prevails over a conflicting policy adopted under Section 33.081 (a); and (2) must permit a student to be absent from class at least 10 times during the school year. (2) On page 2, line 5, strike "SECTION 3." and substitute "SECTION 4.". (3) On page 2, lines 17 through 22, strike SECTIONS 4 and 5 of the bill and substitute the following: SECTION 5. SECTION 1, 2, and 4 of this Act apply beginning September 1, 1999. SECTION 6. The importance of this legislation and the crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public necessity that the constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, and that this Act take effect and be in force from and after its passage, and it is so enacted.