85R5271 KKA-D
 
  By: Lucio S.B. No. 2202
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the authority of school districts and school district
  students to participate in University Interscholastic League
  competitions.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 33.0834 to read as follows:
         Sec. 33.0834.  SCHOOL BUS SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE AS CONDITION
  OF PARTICIPATION IN UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE
  COMPETITIONS.  (a)  In order to ensure the safety of all students,
  including those who participate in off-campus activities, it is the
  public policy of this state to take every measure possible to
  protect the lives and well-being of students while being
  transported to and from school and extracurricular activities.
         (b)  Unless a school district obtains a waiver from the
  agency as provided by Subsection (c), the University
  Interscholastic League may not permit a school district or the
  school district's students to participate in a competition
  sponsored by the league unless the school district is in compliance
  with the school bus seat belt requirements imposed by Section
  547.701(e), Transportation Code.
         (c)  The agency may provide a waiver for purposes of
  Subsection (b) if a school district demonstrates to the agency's
  satisfaction that the district:
               (1)  is unable to comply with the school bus seat belt
  requirements because of financial hardship; and
               (2)  has pursued all potential sources of funding
  available to assist a school district with the cost of complying,
  including private donations and assistance available from the
  agency as a result of state appropriations.
         (d)  The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement
  this section.
         (e)  Section 547.701(f), Transportation Code, does not
  affect the requirement imposed under this section.
         SECTION 2.  Section 33.0834, Education Code, as added by
  this Act, applies beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.