BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2052
	By: Taylor, Larry
	Education
	5/3/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 1842 (84R) created a district of innovation designation, which allows school districts to exempt themselves from certain statutory requirements. One provision from which districts of innovation may exempt themselves is the prohibition from beginning instruction for a school year prior to the fourth Monday in August. 

Since the passage of H.B. 1842 last session, and the subsequent creation of districts of innovation, questions have been raised over whether simply moving a school district's start date earlier is truly innovative. However, there are school districts that obviously see a need for an earlier start date as evidenced by their choice to seek the exemption.

S.B. 2052 changes the current prohibition for starting instruction for a school year from the fourth Monday in August to the third Monday in August.

In addition, S.B. 2052 removes the exemption from the first day of instruction requirement from the list of allowable exemptions for districts of innovation created or renewed after the effective date of the legislation.   

As proposed, S.B. 2052 amends current law relating to the first day of the school year for public schools.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.0811, Education Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c), as follows:

Sec. 25.0811. FIRST DAY OF INSTRUCTION. (a) Prohibits a school district, except as provided by this section, from beginning instruction for students for a school year before the third, rather than fourth, Monday in August. Authorizes a school district to:

(1) begin instruction for students for a school year before the third, rather than fourth, Monday in August if the district operates a year-round system under Section 25.084 (Year-Round System); or

(2) makes no changes to this subdivision.

(c) Prohibits a local innovation plan, notwithstanding Chapter 12A (Districts of Innovation), Education Code, including Section 12A.003(b) (relating to certain requirements of a local innovation plan), from providing for the exemption of a district designated as a district of innovation from the first day of instruction requirement under this Section.

SECTION 2. (a) Provides that, except as provided by Subsection (b), this Act applies beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

(b) Makes application of Section 25.0811(c), Education Code, as amended by this Act, prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.