Honorable Donna Campbell, Chair, Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Border Security
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1843 by Campbell (Relating to providing an opportunity for public high school students in grades 10 through 12 to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test or an alternative vocational aptitude test.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
This bill would amend the Education Code to require all school districts and charter schools to provide students in grades 10 through 12 an opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and consult with a military recruiter. The bill would specify certain elements related to scheduling and providing the ASVAB test. The bill would allow districts and charter schools to opt out of providing students an opportunity to take the ASVAB only if they administer a similar career-readiness exam instead. The bill would require TEA to report annually the list of school districts and charter schools that opted not to provide the ASVAB to its students by August 1. The bill would take effect immediately if passed within necessary voting margins, or September 1, 2017, and applies beginning in school year 2017-18.
The Texas Education Agency indicates that any costs associated with the provisions of the bill could be implemented within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
School districts and open-enrollment charter schools that do not offer the ASVAB test could incur some costs related to offering the test within school hours, including costs for transportation, proctors, space, and scheduling. Additionally, school districts and charter schools electing not to provide the ASVAB may incur costs to administer an alternative test. Costs will vary depending on the current practices at each district and charter.