BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 192
By: Alonzo et al. (Van de Putte)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, according to Section 25.087 (Excused Absences), Education Code, a school district is required to excuse a student from attending school for the following purposes: documented medical appointments, school-related absences approved by the school board (e.g., field trips), mentorship absences approved by the school district as part of the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement graduation plan, diagnostic testing for a Medicaid-eligible student, religious observance, required court appearance, or attendance at the funeral of a deceased veteran for the purpose of sounding "Taps." The absences listed allow for the school district to receive average daily attendance funding despite the student being absent from school. Additionally, the Education Code allows a teacher, principal, or superintendent of the school, at his or her discretion, to issue an excused absence for any other reason. However, absences issued at the discretion of a teacher, principal, or superintendent do not allow the district to receive average daily attendance funding.
H.B. 192 relates to the absence of a student from school for activities in connection with obtaining United States citizenship or to visit with a parent or guardian who will be or has been deployed to a combat zone.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.087, Education Code, by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (b-1) and (e), as follows:
(b) Requires a school district to excuse a student from attending school for certain reasons, including appearing at a governmental office to complete paperwork required in connection with the student's application for United States (U.S.) citizenship; taking part in a U.S. naturalization oath ceremony; spending time with the student's parent or guardian, if the parent or guardian has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or is returning from deployment to a combat zone as a member of the armed forces of the United States, a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, or the state military forces.
(b-1) Requires the board of trustees of each independent school district to establish criteria for determining the number of days a student is authorized to receive an excused absence for the purpose described by Subsection (b)(1)(E) (relating to requiring a school district to excuse a student from attending school for spending time with the student's parent if the parent has been called to duty).
(e) Defines "combat zone."
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.