HBA-NLM S.B. 40 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 40
By: Lucio
Public Education
4/20/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently most schools in Texas begin early in August.  There is concern
that an early starting date may cause a shortened work period in the summer
for teachers and students, particularly migrant students; force children to
ride in school buses with no air-conditioning in summer heat; and result in
higher electricity bills for schools.  The purpose of this bill is to
mandate a study by the commissioner of education (commissioner) concerning
the first instructional day of the school year. S.B. 40  requires the
commissioner to study the effects of a law prohibiting a school district
from beginning instruction for students for a school year before September
1.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 25, Education Code, by adding
Section 25.0811, as follows: 

Sec. 25.0811.  STUDY CONCERNING FIRST INSTRUCTIONAL DAY. Requires the
commissioner of education (commissioner) to study the effects of a law
prohibiting a school district from beginning instruction for students for a
school year before September 1. Requires the commissioner to include the
effects  such a law would have on certain specified persons and entities.
Requires the commissioner to report the results of the study to the
legislature not later than January 31, 2001, and provides that this section
expires February 1, 2001. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.