BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 195

By: Garcia

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that some children living within two miles of school are facing potentially violent situations on their walk to and from school. The goal of S.B. 195 is to provide funding for the safe transportation of these students.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 195 amends the Education Code to include among the purposes for which a public school district or county may apply for and receive additional transportation allotment funds the transportation of children living within two miles of the school they attend who would be subject to a high risk of violence if they walked to school. The bill establishes that an area presents a high risk of violence if law enforcement records indicate a high incidence of violent crimes in the area. The bill specifies the information a board of trustees requesting the additional funds for such purpose is required to provide to the commissioner of education. The bill authorizes a district or county to use all or part of any of the additional funds to support community walking transportation programs, including walking school bus programs, provided that the district or county requires each supported program to submit a financial report to the district or county each semester that covers services provided by the program for the benefit of the district or county.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.