83R2147 CAS-F
 
  By: Strama H.B. No. 384
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of the Expanded Learning
  Opportunities Council to study and make recommendations concerning
  expanded learning opportunities for public school students.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 33, Education Code, is amended by adding
  Subchapter G to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER G. EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES COUNCIL
         Sec. 33.251.  DEFINITION. In this chapter, "council" means
  the Expanded Learning Opportunities Council.
         Sec. 33.252.  EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. (a)
  Expanded learning opportunities may be provided during:
               (1)  an extended school day;
               (2)  an extended school year; or
               (3)  structured learning programs outside of the
  regular school day, including before- and after-school programs and
  summer programs.
         (b)  Expanded learning opportunities may be provided by
  offering:
               (1)  rigorous coursework;
               (2)  mentoring;
               (3)  tutoring;
               (4)  physical activity;
               (5)  academic support; or
               (6)  educational enrichment in one or more subjects,
  including fine arts, civic engagement, science, technology,
  engineering, and mathematics.
         Sec. 33.253.  ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSES. (a)  The Expanded
  Learning Opportunities Council is established to:
               (1)  study issues concerning expanded learning
  opportunities for this state's public school students, including:
                     (A)  issues related to creating safe places for
  children outside of the regular school day, improving the academic
  success of students who participate in expanded learning
  opportunities programs, and assisting working families; and
                     (B)  other issues prescribed under Section
  33.259; and
               (2)  make recommendations as provided by Section 33.260
  to address issues studied under this subchapter.
         (b)  In conducting studies under this subchapter, the
  council shall focus on innovative, hands-on learning approaches
  that complement rather than replicate the regular school
  curriculum.
         Sec. 33.254.  SUNSET PROVISION. The council is subject to
  Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued
  in existence as provided by that chapter, the council is abolished
  and this subchapter expires September 1, 2025.
         Sec. 33.255.  COMPOSITION. The council is composed of 10
  members as follows:
               (1)  two members of the senate, appointed by the
  lieutenant governor;
               (2)  two members of the house of representatives,
  appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
               (3)  two members of the public, including one
  representative of the business community and one parent of a public
  school student participating in an expanded learning opportunities
  program in this state, appointed by the governor;
               (4)  two members who are involved in research-based
  expanded learning opportunities efforts in this state so that at
  least one is involved in efforts to extend the school day or school
  year and at least one is involved in efforts to provide an expanded
  learning opportunities program outside of the regular school day,
  appointed by the governor;
               (5)  one representative of law enforcement, appointed
  by the governor; and
               (6)  one member representing the agency, appointed by
  the commissioner.
         Sec. 33.256.  TERMS; VACANCY. (a) Members of the council
  serve two-year terms, with the terms expiring February 1 of each
  odd-numbered year.
         (b)  A member of the council may be reappointed.
         (c)  A vacancy on the council shall be filled for the
  remainder of the unexpired term in the manner as the appointment for
  that position is made under Section 33.255.
         (d)  The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of
  representatives shall appoint the presiding officer of the council
  on an alternating basis. The presiding officer shall serve a
  two-year term expiring on February 1 of each odd-numbered year. A
  vacancy in the office of presiding officer shall be filled for the
  remainder of the unexpired term by the lieutenant governor or
  speaker, whichever official appointed the most recent presiding
  officer.
         Sec. 33.257.  MEETINGS. (a) The council shall meet in
  person at least three times each year and may hold additional
  meetings by conference call if necessary.
         (b)  Section 551.125, Government Code, applies to a meeting
  held by conference call under this section, except that Section
  551.125(b), Government Code, does not apply.
         Sec. 33.258.  COMPENSATION. A member of the council may not
  receive compensation for service on the council.
         Sec. 33.259.  POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The council shall:
               (1)  study issues related to expanded learning
  opportunities for public school students;
               (2)  study current research and best practices related
  to meaningful expanded learning opportunities;
               (3)  analyze the availability of and unmet needs for
  state and local programs for expanded learning opportunities for
  public school students;
               (4)  analyze opportunities to create incentives for
  businesses to support expanded learning opportunities programs for
  public school students;
               (5)  analyze opportunities to maximize charitable
  support for public and private partnerships for expanded learning
  opportunities programs for public school students;
               (6)  analyze opportunities to promote science,
  technology, engineering, and mathematics in expanded learning
  opportunities programs for public school students; and
               (7)  perform other duties consistent with this
  subchapter.
         (b)  In carrying out its powers and duties under this
  section, the council may request reports and other information
  relating to expanded learning opportunities and students in
  expanded learning opportunities programs from the Texas Education
  Agency and any other state agency.
         Sec. 33.260.  STATEWIDE EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
  PLAN; REPORT. (a) The council shall develop a comprehensive
  statewide action plan for the improvement of expanded learning
  opportunities for public school students in this state, including a
  timeline for implementation of the plan.
         (b)  The council shall submit to both houses of the
  legislature, the governor, and the agency on or before November 1 of
  each even-numbered year a written report concerning:
               (1)  the status of the development or implementation of
  the council's statewide action plan, as applicable;
               (2)  any action taken to further development or
  implementation of the plan;
               (3)  any area that needs improvement in implementing
  the plan;
               (4)  any recommended change to the plan; and
               (5)  programs and services that address expanded
  learning opportunities outside of the regular school day.
         Sec. 33.261.  GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The agency may
  accept on behalf of the council a gift, grant, or donation from any
  source to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.
         SECTION 2.  (a) The Expanded Learning Opportunities Council
  shall submit the initial report required under Subchapter G,
  Chapter 33, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than
  November 1, 2016.
         (b)  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
  Act, the designated officials shall appoint the members of the
  Expanded Learning Opportunities Council under Subchapter G,
  Chapter 33, Education Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  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, 2013.