BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 232

By: Menéndez

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that students and parents may not be adequately informed about the curriculum requirements to receive a high school diploma and the benefits of exceeding those requirements to graduate with the distinguished level of achievement. S.B. 232 seeks to address these concerns by requiring public school districts to notify parents of high school students regarding a student's option not to complete an Algebra II course for purposes of high school graduation and the potential consequences of not completing such a course.

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. 232 amends the Education Code to require a public school district, not later than September 1 of each school year, to notify by regular mail or email the parent of or other person standing in parental relation to each student enrolled in grade nine or above that the student is not required to complete an Algebra II course to graduate under the foundation high school program. The bill requires the notification to include information regarding the potential consequences to a student of not completing an Algebra II course, including the impact on eligibility for automatic college admission and certain financial aid. 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.