HBA-LCA H.B. 2531 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2531
By: Van de Putte
 Public Education
4/20/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

H.B. 2531 provides that staff development must include at least one hour in
each school year of training for educators in recognizing possible abuse or
neglect of children, an educator's duty to report abuse and neglect, and in
child abuse reporting procedures.  This bill will ensure that all certified
educators are provided with appropriate training in these areas as soon as
practicable. 

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 Section 21.451, Education Code, by adding Subsection
(d), as follows: 

(d)  Provides that staff development must include a minimum of one hour per
school year in recognizing child abuse or neglect, an educator's legal duty
to report abuse or neglect, and reporting procedures under Section 38.004,
Education Code (Child Abuse Reporting and Programs).  Provides that
training may be provided by videotape or distance learning. Provides that a
newly certified educator must receive training as early in the school year
as practicable.  

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1999-2000
school year. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: ninety days after adjournment.