BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1275
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, school districts are not allowed to begin instruction for students before the fourth Monday in August, unless the district operates on a year-round system and if a school district is located near the border of another state. This statute becomes particularly problematic for school districts that are affected by hurricane season along the Gulf of Mexico because hurricane activity can greatly reduce the amount of in-class instruction that children receive during the fall semester.
As proposed, S.B. 1275 allows school districts located within 75 miles of the Gulf of Mexico the flexibility to begin school on or after the second Monday in August, rather than the fourth Monday in August.
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 25.0811, Education Code, by adding Subsection (c), to authorize a school district that is located wholly or partly within 75 miles of the Gulf of Mexico, notwithstanding Subsection (a) (regarding the start date for the first day of instruction for school districts), to begin instruction for students for a school year on or after the second Monday in August.
SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2009-2010 school year.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.