SRC-JBJ H.B. 926 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 926
76R4631 PEP-DBy: Garcia (Zaffirini)
Education
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Allegations of alteration of Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS)
answer sheets have arisen in more than 11 school districts statewide.
False scores are created to increase accountability ratings for the school
district.  Currently, tampering with such records is a misdemeanor.  H.B.
926 would increase the penalty for tampering with public school records or
documents. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 926 increases the penalty for tampering with public
school records or documents. 

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 37.10(d), Penal Code, to include public school
records or documents in the list of instruments for which tampering with
them is a felony of the second or third degree, depending on the intention
of the actor, rather than a misdemeanor or state jail felony. 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.