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.