81R10501 CAS-D

By: Madden H.B. No. 3229

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a pilot project for a drug and alcohol abuse recovery high school program.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 29.921 to read as follows:

Sec. 29.921. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE RECOVERY HIGH SCHOOL PILOT PROJECT. (a) The agency shall develop a pilot project for the establishment and operation of one or more high school programs designed to assist students who have completed a drug or alcohol abuse treatment program in returning to school and earning a high school diploma.

(b) A high school program established and operated under this section must provide for:

(1) individualized instruction for students and a low ratio of students to teachers;

(2) provision of the courses, including dual credit courses, instruction, and assistance necessary for students to earn the credits required for high school graduation as required under Section 28.025;

(3) varied methods of instruction, including traditional classroom and textbook instruction, self-paced instruction, and distance learning;

(4) accelerated timelines for advancement between courses;

(5) assistance with the transition from the treatment program back to school, including counseling that meets the social and emotional needs of students and help through peer support groups;

(6) clear rules of behavior established under an agreement signed by a program representative, the student, and the student's parent that:

(A) provides expectations concerning attendance, achievement, clothing, and Internet use;

(B) requires periodic testing for and prohibits student drug and alcoholic beverage use; and

(C) prohibits smoking on campus;

(7) required participation in community service projects; and

(8) establishment of goals by students and procedures to measure students' accomplishment of those goals.

(c) A high school program established and operated under this section must establish an application form and a procedure for admission to the program that, among any other requirements, requires an applicant for admission to:

(1) apply in writing in the time and manner required by the program;

(2) interview in person with program representatives;

(3) submit an essay written while visiting the program site;

(4) submit with the application:

(A) proof in the form required by the program that the student has completed a drug or alcohol abuse treatment program approved by the high school program;

(B) the student's transcript and other records from each school the student has previously attended, including any results from standardized or state-administered assessment instruments, disciplinary records, and attendance reports; and

(C) written authorization for program representatives to obtain specific confidential records of the student; and

(5) be assessed by drug and alcohol counseling professionals.

(d) As part of the pilot project, the agency shall develop:

(1) written information for students, parents, educators, and drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers concerning the program; and

(2) training for program personnel concerning drug and alcohol abuse issues, including treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.

(e) The commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and donations for developing the pilot project and for a high school program established and operated as part of the pilot project.

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.