HBA-MPM, NMO H.B. 217 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 217
By: Hochberg
Public Education
7/26/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Legislature, state law required a school district to
excuse a student from attending school for the purpose of observing
religious holy days if, before the absence, the student's parent or legal
guardian submitted a written request for an excused absence.  H.B. 217
deletes the provision stipulating that a student's parent or guardian
submit a written request for an excused absence before a school district is
required to excuse the student from attending school for the purpose of
observing religious holy days.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 25.087(b), Education Code, to delete language
that provides that the parent, guardian, or custodian of a student must
submit a written request for an excused absence, before a school district
is required to excuse a student's absence for the purpose of observing
religious holy days. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective beginning with the
1999-2000 school year. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date:  upon passage.