80R1145 PAM-D

By: Dutton H.B. No. 788

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study and report by the commissioner of education concerning the campus and school district assignments and transfers of public school students, 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 25.044 to read as follows:

Sec. 25.044. 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, or 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, 2008, 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, 2008.

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, 2007.