83R5675 CAS-F

By: Parker H.B. No. 1201

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to public school Internet website information concerning local programs and services available to assist homeless students.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 33, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 33.906 to read as follows:

Sec. 33.906. WEBSITE INFORMATION CONCERNING LOCAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ASSIST HOMELESS STUDENTS. (a) Each school that maintains an Internet website shall post on the website information regarding local programs and services, including charitable programs and services, available to assist homeless students.

(b) A school to which Subsection (a) applies shall make a good faith effort to compile information described by that subsection and shall post the information compiled in a format and style that is easily understandable by students or parents, as appropriate based on the grade levels the school offers.

(c) A representative of a local program or service available to assist homeless students may request to have information concerning the program or service posted on a school's website. A school may determine the information that is posted on the school's website and is not required to post information as requested by the representative.

(d) A school district is not liable for any harm to a student that results in connection with a local program or service referred to on the website of a district school as provided by this section.

SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

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.