HBA-MPM H.B. 379 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 379
By: Garcia
Public Education
4/9/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, more than 100 languages are spoken in the homes of Texas public
school students.   In 19992000, approximately 555,470 students of limited
English proficiency (LEP) were identified in Texas. Bilingual education and
English as a second language programs help these students succeed
academically. The current funding formula for bilingual education and
special language programs might not be adequate to cover the costs of
serving the needs of LEP students in Texas.  House Bill 379 increases from
0.1 to 0.2 the multiplier used to calculate the annual allotment for a
school district to fund a bilingual education or special language program. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 379 amends the Education Code to increase from 0.1 to 0.2 the
multiplier used to calculate the annual allotment to which a school
district is entitled for each student in average daily attendance in a
bilingual education or special language program. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.