HBA-NRS, CCH H.B. 427 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 427
By: Morrison
Public Education
4/12/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The expansion of Texas' high-tech industries and the diversification of the
business environment have increased the need for an educated workforce.
However, between 1998 and 1999, more than  27,000 students in grades 7-12
dropped out of Texas schools, many with only a few months left to graduate.
The Texas Workforce Commission indicates that almost 50 percent of adults
on welfare do not have a high school diploma, and the Texas Legislative
Council reports that in 1999 approximately 27 percent of persons 16 years
of age and older who did not graduate from high school were living in
poverty. Increasing the graduation rate in Texas would contribute to Texas'
economic growth and provide for a more educated population. House Bill 427
requires a student to complete the school year in which the student's 18th
birthday occurs. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 427 amends the Education Code to require a child to attend
school until the end of the school year in which the child turns 18 years
old, rather than only until the child's 18th birthday. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001. The Act applies beginning with the
2001-2002 school year.