83R9095 PAM-D
 
  By: Klick H.B. No. 1865
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to authorizing school districts to suspend classes on
  primary and general election days and requiring the commissioner of
  education to adjust funding for certain related absences.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 25, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 25.0812 to read as follows:
         Sec. 25.0812.  SUSPENSION OF CLASSES ON PRIMARY AND GENERAL
  ELECTION DAY. (a) This section applies to elections held on the
  primary election date described by Section 41.007, Election Code,
  or the date for the general election for state and county officers
  under Section 41.001, Election Code.
         (b)  A school district may suspend classes on the day of a
  primary or general election. A district that intends to suspend
  classes as provided by this section must notify the commissioner
  not later than the first day of instruction for the school year in
  which the election will be held.
         (c)  The authorization granted by this section does not
  exempt a school district from the requirement under Section
  25.081(a) for a minimum number of days of instruction. A district
  may extend its school calendar to compensate for days on which
  classes are suspended as provided by this section.
         SECTION 2.  Section 42.005, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
         (c-1)  The commissioner shall adjust the average daily
  attendance of a school district that suspends classes on the day of
  the primary or general election as provided by Section 25.0812 and
  that, on the day preceding election day, has more than the
  district's average number of daily absences, so that the district
  is not penalized under this section for that increase in the number
  of absences.
         SECTION 3.  This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014
  school year.
         SECTION 4.  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.