BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 937

By: Campbell

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law requires a public institution of higher education to excuse student absences for active military service. Some affected students have noted, however, that this language is not necessarily interpreted to excuse certain required absences, such as those due to state active duty orders, inactive drill time, and time served during annual training. S.B. 937 seeks to clarify the scope of the requirement by substituting the term "required military service."

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in SECTION 3 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 937 amends the Education Code to revise statutory provisions relating to an excused absence from a public institution of higher education for a student called to active military service of a reasonably brief duration, as determined by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rule, to refer instead to required military service. The bill applies beginning with the 2021 fall semester.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.