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.