SRC-PNG S.B. 40 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 40
76R1415 CAS-DBy: Lucio
Education
2/12/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, in Texas, most schools begin early in August.  With an early
starting date, a myriad of problems have arisen, such as a shortened work
period in the summer for teachers and students, particularly migrant
students; children riding to school in buses with no air-conditioning in
summer heat; and higher electricity bills for schools.  This bill would
require the first instructional day of a school year to begin on or after
September 1. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 40 requires the first instructional day of a school year
to begin on or after September 1. 

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 Chapter 25C, Education Code, by adding Section 25.0811,
as follows: 

Sec.  25.0811. FIRST INSTRUCTIONAL DAY.  Prohibits school districts from
starting classes prior to September 1. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 25.084(a), Education Code, to authorize a school
district operating a year-round system to modify the first day of classes
as necessary, notwithstanding Section 25.0811. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 3. Provides that Sections 25.0811 and 25.084(a), Education Code,
apply beginning with the 1999-2000 school year. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.