HBA-LCA H.B. 2322 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2322 By: Dukes Public Education 4/12/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The role of an educational paraprofessional or aide (aide) has evolved from a clerical one to one that is more of a teaching assistant. It is estimated that there are nearly 54,000 of these aides assisting Texas students during part or all of the school day. Current State Board of Education rules only require an aide to register and pay a fee to receive certification. H.B. 2322 provides for a task force to study the role of educational aides, and to make recommendations in a written report to the governor, the legislature, and the State Board for Educator Certification, who may then determine a new certification process for these aides. 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. TASK FORCE ON EDUCATIONAL AIDES. Creates a Task Force on Educational Aides (task force) to identify and review the role of educational aides and the needs of public school students, including special education students. SECTION 2. COMPOSITION. Sets forth the composition of the 23-member task force and designates a presiding officer for the task force. SECTION 3. MEETINGS. Requires the task force to meet at the call of the presiding officer. SECTION 4. STAFF AND EXPENSES. (a) Requires the Texas Education Agency (agency) to provide support staff to the task force. (b) Entitles task force members who are not members of the legislature to reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while performing duties under this Act, subject to limitations in the General Appropriations Act on travel by state employees. Entitles members of the legislature to reimbursement for task force duties in the same manner as for other legislative duties. SECTION 5. DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. (a) Requires the task force to develop recommendations regarding educational aides, including minimum entrance standards, minimum knowledge and skill requirements for different programs and levels; certification; and any other matter as determined by the task force. (b) Requires the task force, in developing recommendations, to review and analyze the use of educational aides by school districts; the programs in which educational aides participate; and the standards and laws governing the employment and use of educational aides. SECTION 6. REPORT. Requires the task force to submit a written report of its recommendations to the governor, the legislature, and the State Board for Educator Certification by January 1, 2001. SECTION 7. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 8. Provides that this Act expires and the Task Force on Educational Aides is abolished September 1, 2001. SECTION 9. Emergency clause.