By: Alonzo, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Van de Putte) H.B. No. 192

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 8, 2009; May 8, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on Education; May 21, 2009, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; May 21, 2009, sent to printer.)

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 192 By: Van de Putte

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the absence of a student from school for activities in connection with obtaining United States citizenship.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 25.087, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-3) to read as follows:

(b) A school district shall excuse a student from attending school for:

(1) the following purposes, including travel for those purposes:

(A) observing religious holy days; [or]

(B) attending a required court appearance;

(C) appearing at a governmental office to complete paperwork required in connection with the student's application for United States citizenship; or

(D) taking part in a United States naturalization oath ceremony; or

(2) a temporary absence resulting from health care professionals if that student commences classes or returns to school on the same day of the appointment.

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, 2009.

* * * * *