SRC-TAG S.C.R. 32 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.C.R. 32 By: Barrientos Education 4/7/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Between the 1985-1986 and 2001-2002 school years, nearly two million students have been lost from public school enrollment. The estimated cumulative cost for public school dropouts in Texas is $488 billion; thus, the enormity of the dropout problem has some implication for the future of Texas. Moreover, 88.4 percent of the prison population has not completed twelfth grade, and out of this population, 16.5 percent did not reach the fifth grade. Also, it is estimated that dropouts make up half the heads of households on welfare. PURPOSE As proposed, S.C.R. 32 submits the following resolutions: Provides that the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas establish a special interim committee to study the problem of high school dropouts in Texas and that the interim study committee be named the Joint Special Committee on High School Dropouts. Provides that the committee is composed of certain individuals. Establishes that the committee shall have power to issue process as provided by the senate and house of representatives rules of procedure and by Section 301.024 (Process),Government Code, and all other powers and duties provided to the special committee by the senate and house of representatives rules of procedure, by Chapter 301B (Legislative Reorganization Act), Government Code, and by the policies of the committees on administration. Provides for a contingent fund from the senate and house of representatives equally to reimburse all the members of the committee for expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this resolution. Requires the interim study committee to make a complete report, including findings and recommendations and drafts of any legislation considered necessary to the 79th Legislature when it convenes in January 2005; requires five copies of the completed report to be filed in the Legislative Reference Library; requires five copies to be filed with the Texas Legislative Council; requires two copies to be filed with the secretary of the senate; and requires two copies to be filed with the speaker of the house of representatives; and, following official distribution of the committee report, requires all remaining copies to be deposited with the legislative reference librarian.