SRC-MKV S.B. 543 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 543
77R1975 KKA-FBy: Nelson
Education
3/27/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The 74th Legislature created Subtitle I (School Finance and Fiscal
Management), Education Code, to set forth that it is the policy of this
state to ensure that each student has access to programs and services that
are appropriate to the student's educational needs.  This policy is carried
out through allotments for each student.  One of several considerations for
the allotments includes the enrichment and facilities tax rate under
Subchapter F, the computation of students in weighted average daily
attendance under Section 42.302 (Allotment), Education Code, and the amount
to be appropriated for the school facilities assistance program under
Chapter 46 (Instructional Facilities Allotment), Education Code, to help
determine the funding for a school district.  As proposed, S.B. 543
increases the allotment for certain students who are restricted to hospital
care for a length of time which requires special arrangements to be made
with the school district regarding attendance, who are required to be
selfcontained on the regular campus for severe physical or emotional
problems, and who are nonpublic day school students.  The bill also
modifies the allotment for students with disabilities that require other
special arrangements to be made with the school district. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 42.151(a) and (b), Education Code, to change the
weight given to a hospital class from 3.0 to 4.0 when determining the
annual allotment a school district is entitled to that is equal to the
adjusted basic allotment multiplied by 1.1.  Changes the funding weight of
an arrangement in which special instruction is given to students with
disabilities residing in care and treatment facilities, other than state
schools, whose parents or guardians do not reside in the district providing
the educational services from 4.0 to 5.0.  Requires that a special
instructional arrangement for students with disabilities residing in state
schools to be establishes under the rules of the State Board of Education
with a funding weight of 4.0 for those students who receive their education
services on a state school campus, and 5.0,  rather than 2.8, for those who
receive their education services on a local school district campus. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.