BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 192
By: Alonzo et al. (Van de Putte)
Committee Report (Substituted)
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.
C.S.H.B. 192 amends current law relating to the absence of a student from school for activities in connection with obtaining United States citizenship.
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 Subsection (b-3) [sic], 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 or taking part in a U.S. naturalization oath ceremony.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.