78R8735 T

By:  Dutton                                                       H.B. No. 2647



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to classroom working conditions for public school 
teachers.        
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 22, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 22.0035 to read as follows:
	Section 22.0035.  ACCOMMODATION OF PERSONAL NEEDS.  A 
teacher's professional work environment shall include reasonable 
authority to visit restroom facilities as needed, have access to a 
personal telephone or district-provided telephone in the classroom 
if available, and exercise reasonable discretion in accommodating 
personal needs such as having a beverage available while 
instructing and determining how to arrange the classroom and 
deliver instruction.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 
school year.       
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.