SRC-AXB H.B. 3573 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3573 By: Lewis, Ron (Bernsen) Education 5/14/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the majority of University Interscholastic League rules and procedures are developed through input from school district superintendents, school principals, or certain state-level committees comprised of school officials. These rules and procedures are then often approved on a ballot basis by superintendents. H.B. 3573 creates regulations regarding school district policy on absences to participate in extracurricular activities, and grants rulemaking authority. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3573 creates regulations regarding school district policy on absences to participate in extracurricular activities, and grants rulemaking authority. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the commissioner of education in SECTION 1 (Section 7.102(c)(27), Education Code) and to the University Interscholastic League in SECTION 5 (Section 33.081(h), Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 7.102(c)(27), Education Code, to provide that the commissioner of education (commissioner), rather than the State Board of Education, is required to adopt rules. Deletes a specification regarding the authority to modify rules. SECTION 2. Amends Section 33.081(c), Education Code, to specify that a certain suspension continues for at least three school weeks. SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 33D, Education Code, by adding Section 33.0811, as follows: Sec. 33.0811. SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY ON ABSENCES TO PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Authorizes the board of trustees of a school district to adopt a policy establishing the number of times a certain student may be absent from class to participate in certain activities. Sets forth requirements regarding the policy. SECTION 4. Amends Section 33.083(b), Education Code, to provide that the University Interscholastic League (UIL) must submit its rules and procedures to the commissioner for approval or disapproval, but not modification. SECTION 5. Amends Section 33.081, Education Code, by adding Subsections (h) and (i), to require UIL to adopt rules regarding disqualification of a team from competition. Sets forth provisions which the rules are authorized to specify. Sets forth procedural requirements for a school responsible for making a verification of a student's grades. SECTION 6. Requires UIL to adopt rules within a certain timeframe. SECTION 7. SECTIONS 1, 2, and 4 apply beginning September 1, 1999. SECTION 8. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.