BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1111
79R15365 E By: King, Phil (Brimer)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
H.B. 1111 applies to open-enrollment charter schools specializing in performing arts. The legislative intent is to focus on charter schools that specifically specialize in fine arts. The schools in question should have arts-intensive curricula, as legislative intent will not apply to regular open-enrollment charter schools that have an arts program. The objective of the bill is to allow the charter school to conduct an audition for students wanting to attend the school. Because of the nature of performing arts schools, only students with a genuine interest in the arts will excel. The audition ensures the students applying have an artistic aptitude and an interest in the arts. This audition could be seen as a parallel to the audition process that art magnet schools in large school districts already employ.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 12.111(a), Education Code, to require each charter granted under this subchapter to prohibit discrimination in admission policy on the basis of sex, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, academic, artistic, or athletic ability, or the district the child would otherwise attend in accordance with this code, although the charter may provide for an admission policy that requires a student to demonstrate artistic ability if the school specializes in performing arts.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 12, Education Code, by adding Section 12.1171, as follows:
Sec. 12.1171. ADMISSION TO OPEN-ENROLLMENT CHARTER SCHOOLS SPECIALIZING IN PERFORMING ARTS. Authorizes the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school that specializes in one or more performing arts, notwithstanding Section 12.117 (Admission), to require an applicant to audition for admission to the school.
SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2005-2006 school year.
SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.