79R584 PAM-D


By:  Dutton                                                       H.B. No. 451



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study and report by the commissioner of education 
concerning public school students' campus and school district 
assignments and transfers, operation of public schools, and public 
school attendance.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 25, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 25.043 to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.043.  STUDY AND REPORT CONCERNING ASSIGNMENTS AND 
TRANSFERS, OPERATION OF SCHOOLS, AND SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.  (a)  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:
		(1)  the transfer of students to other campuses, 
districts, and counties;
		(2)  the length of the school day;                                     
		(3)  school day interruptions;                                         
		(4)  the first day of instruction for a school year;                   
		(5)  the number of days of instruction required for a 
school year; and
		(6)  the maximum number of excused absences a student 
is permitted.  
	(b)  Based on the study under Subsection (a), not later than 
December 1, 2006, the commissioner shall submit a report to the 
governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of 
representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing 
committees in the senate and house primarily responsible for public 
education.  The report must include any recommendation for an 
amendment or repeal of a provision of this subchapter or Subchapter 
C.
	(c)  This section expires December 31, 2006.                            
	SECTION 2.  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.