HBA-MPM H.B. 2078 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2078
By: Hardcastle
Public Education
4/20/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law does not address school districts' policies with respect to
student absences to participate in extracurricular activities.  H.B. 1738
authorizes the board of trustees of a school district to establish a policy
establishing the number of times a student may be absent from class to
participate in certain extracurricular activities. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, by adding
Section 33.0811, as follows: 

Sec. 33.0811.  SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY ON ABSENCES TO PARTICIPATE IN
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.  (a)  Authorizes the board of trustees (board)
of a school district (district) to adopt a policy establishing the number
of times a student who is otherwise eligible to participate in an
extracurricular activity under Section 33.081 (Extracurricular Activities),
Education Code, may be absent from class to participate in that activity,
which is sponsored or sanctioned by the district or the University
Interscholastic League or by an organization sanctioned by resolution of
the board.  Makes an exception under Section 33.081(a), which requires the
State Board of Education, by rule, to limit participation in and practice
for extracurricular activities during the school day and the school week,
and that the rules must, to the extent possible, preserve the school day
for academic activities without interruption for extracurricular
activities.  Further states that in scheduling those activities and
practices, a district must comply with the rules of the board. 

(b)  Provides that a policy adopted by the board under this section
prevails over a conflicting policy adopted under Section 33.081, Education
Code, and must permit a student at least 10 absences during the school
year. 

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