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.