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.