H.B. 2804 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2804
By: Giddings
Public Education
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, Texas school districts may offer courses for local credit for
high school students in addition to those courses in the required
curriculum. Courses provided through an internship program or through the
innovative courses program are designed to further develop positive
character traits and responsibilities of primary and secondary students.
This internship program provides a positive experience and develops
responsibility, loyalty, respect, integrity, civic values, and good
citizenship.  


PURPOSE

House Bill 2804 will continue to encourage high school students to take
innovative courses such as the school district internship program because
it would give students credit toward high school graduation.  


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 


ANALYSIS

House Bill 2804 amends the Education Code to permit a school district to
offer courses for local credit in addition to the required curriculum,
including an internship program in which a student works with an elected
local, state, or national government official.   


EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.