BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 29
Education
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
There are more overweight schoolchildren in Texas than there are, on average, in any other state in the nation. The number of overweight children in Texas has tripled in a generation. Overweight prevalence is highest among Hispanic boys, fourth-grade Hispanic girls, and fourth- and eighth-grade African-American girls. Obesity causes chronic physical conditions and diseases in schoolchildren such as high blood pressure, dental problems, and diabetes. One-third of all cancers are also related to poor dietary patterns and lack of daily physical activity. In Texas, the cost of treating obesity and obesity-related health problems is about $10.5 billion per year.
As proposed, S.B. 29 would improve child health by educating students, schools, parents, and communities about the nutrition and activity patterns of Texas schoolchildren, offering the tools to inform an appropriate response to these patterns. The bill requires reporting by the existing school health advisory councils within the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) report regarding compliance. Such reporting will allow for response to compliance/noncompliance with physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco-free campus guidelines.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Transfers Section 28.004(k), Education Code, to Subchapter A, Chapter 38, Education Code, redesignates it as Section 38.017, Education Code, and amends as follows:
Sec. 38.017. STUDENT HEALTH INFORMATION. Requires a school district to include certain student health information in the district's Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) report, rather than requiring the district to make the information available for reasonable public inspection. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Makes this Act applicable beginning with the 2005-2006 school year.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.