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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to state policy regarding the imposition of disciplinary |
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actions in public schools. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 37, Education Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 37.0011 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 37.0011. PURPOSE AND INTENT. (a) The purpose of this |
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chapter is to provide disciplinary instructions for school |
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districts to ensure the safety of all students and staff. |
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(b) Excessive penal consequences and frivolous referrals |
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may not be used to disproportionately punish a student. |
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(c) A student's race, sex, social class, religion, or |
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economic background may not be factored into a disciplinary |
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decision made by a school district or a district employee or agent. |
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(d) Discipline may only be imposed to the extent that the |
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discipline is in the student's best interests. |
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(e) Academic advancement of each student shall remain a |
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consistent goal notwithstanding a school district's responsibility |
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to impose discipline necessary to maintain the safety and quality |
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of district schools. |
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(f) A school district shall promote academic achievement |
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for each student regardless of the student's enrollment in a |
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school, disciplinary alternative education program, or juvenile |
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justice alternative education program. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |