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


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 40
76R10068 CAS-DBy: Lucio
Education
3/25/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


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
provide for a study by the commissioner of education to be commenced
concerning the first instructional day of the school year.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 40 provides for a study by the commissioner of
education to be commenced concerning the first instructional day of the
school year.  

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. STUDY CONCERNING FIRST INSTRUCTIONAL DAY.  Requires the
commissioner of education (commissioner) to study the effects of a law
prohibiting a school district from beginning instruction for a school year
before September 1.  Sets forth requirements for the study.  Requires the
commissioner to report the results of the study to the legislature by
January 31, 2001.  Provides that this section expires February 1, 2001. 

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Amends Chapter 25C, Education Code, to require the commissioner of
education to study the effects of a law prohibiting a school district from
beginning instruction for students for a school year before September 1.
Sets forth requirements for the study.  Requires the commissioner to report
the results of the study to the legislature by January 31, 2001. Provides
that this section expires February 1, 2001.   Deletes text prohibiting a
school district from beginning instruction for students for a school year
before September 1.  Deletes text amending Section 25.084(a), Education
Code, authorizing a school district operating a yearround system to modify
the first day of classes as necessary, notwithstanding Section 25.0811.
Deletes text providing that Sections 25.0811 and 25.084(a), Education Code,
apply beginning with the 1999-2000 school year.