BILL ANALYSIS
By: Dutton
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
While more public education funding is needed, more funding should go towards improving academic outcomes reflected in reduced dropout rates, higher test scores for students, and improved minority college attendance. Schools need incremental reforms such as improved evaluation and training of teachers and principals and more curricular emphasis on conceptual and verbal skills, as well as improvement of school district fiscal efficiency and instructional capability.
HB 451 requires the commissioner of education to study Subchapter B and C of Chapter 25, Education Code, to determine whether amending or repealing any provision within these subchapters would improve school district fiscal efficiency or instructional capability. The commissioner is required to submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing committees in the senate and house primarily responsible for public education. Additionally, the report must include any recommendations for an amendment or repeal of these subchapters.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
HB 451 amends Subchapter B, Chapter 25, Education Code, to determine whether amending or
repealing any provision of this subchapter or Subchapter C would improve school district fiscal
efficiency or instructional capability. The commissioner shall study this subchapter and
Subchapter C, including provisions relating to the transfer of students to other campuses,
districts, and counties, length of the school day, school day interruptions, first day of instruction
for a school year, the number of days of instruction required for a school year, and the maximum
number of excused absences a student is permitted. Based on the study as designated by this
legislation but not later than December 1, 2006, the commissioner shall submit a report to the
individuals as designated by this legislation. The report must include any recommendation for an
amendment or repeal of a provision of this subchapter or Subchapter C. This section expires
December 31, 2006.
EFFECTIVE DATE
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, 2005.