BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 143
Veterans Affairs & Military Installations
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current law states that the continuing professional education (CPE) hour requirement and certificate renewal deadline is five years after the last day of the certificate holder's birth month. The law also states that armed forces reservists must adhere to state agency rules and regulations concerning license renewal. C.S.S.B. 143 amends the Texas Education Code and the Texas Occupations Code to extend the deadline for the completion of CPE and educator certification renewal for persons in the armed forces or reserves serving on active duty; allows armed forces reservists to extend the time period to complete the CPE hours required for educator certification renewal, effectively extending the certificate renewal deadline commensurate with time spent on active duty; and sets up renewal procedures relating to a professional license held by a reservist serving on active duty.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 55, Occupations Code, by adding Section 55.003, as follows:
Sec. 55.003. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN DEADLINES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL. Provides that a person who holds a license, is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, and is ordered to active duty by proper authority is entitled to an additional amount of time, equal to the total number of years or parts of years that the person serves on active duty, to complete certain continuing education and license renewal requirements.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 21.054(b), Education Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Section 21.059, as follows:
Sec. 21.059. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN DEADLINES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL. Provides that a person who holds a certificate or permit under this subchapter who is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and who is ordered to active duty by proper authority is entitled to an additional amount of time, equal to the total number of years or parts of years, that the educator serves on active duty, to complete certain continuing education and certificate or permit renewal requirements.
SECTION 4. (a) Provides that Section 55.003, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, applies to a person who holds a license, as defined by Section 55.001 (Definitions), Occupations Code, and is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and who is ordered to report for active duty as a member of the state military forces or as a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States on or after September 1, 2004.
(b) Provides that Section 21.059, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies to a person who holds a certificate or permit and is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and who is ordered to report for active duty beginning on or after September 1, 2004.
SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.