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.