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.