BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 330

By: VanDeaver

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that, although there are several exclusions available when calculating dropout and completions rates, public school districts cannot exclude a student who is unable to return to school due to a debilitating condition, illness, or injury from the calculation of high school dropout and completion rates. This lack of flexibility can negatively impact the district's accountability rating, particularly that of small school district. H.B. 330 seeks to address this issue by requiring the commissioner of education to exclude students who have suffered a condition, injury, or illness that requires substantial medical care and leaves the student unable to attend school from the computation of dropout and completion rates.

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

H.B. 330 amends the Education Code to require the commissioner of education to exclude students who have suffered a condition, injury, or illness that requires substantial medical care and leaves the student unable to attend school from the computation of dropout and completion rates as performance indicators of student achievement for the purposes of public school system accountability. The bill applies beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.