SRC-CTC S.B. 580 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 580
77R3539 CAS-FBy: Van de Putte
Education
2/19/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law requires local School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs)
to focus narrowly on human sexuality education.  These laws are also vague
and open to interpretation.  As proposed, S.B. 580 clarifies the
requirements for SHACs so that they focus on all issues relevant to school
health, not just human sexuality education. 

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 28.004, Education Code, to read as follows:

Sec. 28.004.  New heading: LOCAL SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
AND HEALTH EDUCATION INSTRUCTION.  Requires the board of trustees of each
school district (board) to establish a local school health education
advisory council (council) to assist the district in ensuring that local
community values are reflected in the district's health education
instruction.  Provides that a school district must consider the
recommendations of the council before changing the district's health
education curriculum or instruction.  Sets forth the duties of the council.
Requires the board to appoint members to the council.  Provides that the
majority of the members must be parents of students enrolled in the
district and requires the board to appoint at least one person from each of
certain enumerated groups. Authorizes the board appoint a representative
from other groups not specified to the council.  Deletes wording relating
to the establishment of a local health education advisory council, its
duties, its membership, and the effect of its recommendations.  Makes
conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 39.073(e), Education Code, to add compliance
with Section 28.004 and the effectiveness of the council appointed by the
board of the district under that section to the criteria the Texas
Education Agency is required to consider in determining a district's
accreditation rating. 

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2001-2002
school year. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.