S.B. 741 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 741
By: Van de Putte
Public Education
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law requires head coaches and chief sponsors for
extracurricular activities to present current certification in first aid
and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Marching band directors are not
included because band is considered a co-curricular fine arts subject.
However, marching band requires prolonged vigorous activity, controlled
breathing techniques, and, for many, supporting heavy instruments. Health
awareness is a major concern, especially in the heightened Texas
temperatures during the first few months of the school year. S.B. 741
requires head directors of school marching bands to be certified in first
aid and CPR. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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


ANALYSIS

S.B. 741 amends the Education Code to require the head director of a
school marching band to maintain and submit to the district proof of
current certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
issued by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or
another organization that provides equivalent training and certification. 

This Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 school year.


EFFECTIVE DATE

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