BILL ANALYSIS
By: King, Phil
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
CSHB 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
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
CSHB 1111 allows open-enrollment charter schools, specializing in fine arts, to ensure that students admitted to their school demonstrate artistic ability.
CSHB 1111 allows the governing body of a performing arts school to require applicants to audition before acceptance to the school.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act applies beginning with the 2005 - 2006 school year. 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.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
CSHB 1111 removes language that a charter school specializing in performing arts may require an applicant to audition for advancement to the next grade level. The substitute also removes language as to the use of the lottery system for applicants. In addition the substitute removes language as to the discrimination of students.