81st Legislature Bill Tracking Report

- Action in the date range    - Link to Related Information   ( ) - Priority    [ ] - Position

HB 3

Eissler Shapiro

Relating to public school accountability, curriculum, and promotion requirements.

Companions:

SB 3 Shapiro (Identical)   5- 5-09 H Referred to House Committee on House Public Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Creates a new public school accountability system for Texas. Reworks the state's accountability system to the tune of 120 pages. Major changes occur in grades 3, 5, and 8. Instead of relying on TAKS to determine if a student passes to the next grade, every district must now establish promotion standards that must include the test score, the recommendation of the teacher, the students grade, and other information considered necessary by the district. The bill includes several semantic changes to make it more appealing to students, school districts, and the public. The minimum high school degree has been renamed the standard degree. The former recommended degree is now the Texas Diploma. The advanced degree keeps its name. Districts are required to provide student who fails the test an accelerate instruction program which can include summer school. A student who refuses to participate in such a program is required to repeat the grade. The changes at the high school level are extensive. The Texas Diploma, which is the old recommended plan, now requires in addition to the 4x4 core curriculum two courses in a foreign language and eight electives without requiring any specific elective courses. The standard graduation plan, previously the minimum gradation plan, now requires 4 credits in English, 3 credits in math, 2 credits in science, 3 credits in social studies, 1 additional course in science or social studies, and nine elective courses. Those gradation plans are for students entering high school in 2011-12 school year. A students parent or guardian must approve before a student can be enrolled in the standard program. The bill appears to create two diplomas. A college ready diploma and a workforce ready diploma. To receive the college ready diploma a student will have to pass the Algebra II and English III end of course exams. The intent is that by 2016 any student passing those two exams will be able to enter college with remediation in English or math. Standards after initial benchmarking will be increased to achieve that outcome. The workforce ready diploma with either require a student to pass the Algebra 1 and English III end of course exam or receive a certification in a field that the Texas Workforce Commission has declared a high wage profession. In addition, to graduate a student must pass 2 out 3 end of course exams in each of the four core curriculum areas. The end of course exam is 15% of the final grade. The test must be designed to show growth from grades 3-11 and growth becomes a key measure of campuses and districts over the next eight years. The old rating system is gone and districts and campuses will be rated accredited; accredited-warned; and accredited probation. The primary driver is still test scores, both absolute and growth measures are used in the matrix. Disaggregation of data will still make it possible for a single sub-group to impact a districts rating. However, a three year rolling average will take the place of the single snapshot system currently used. A districts financial situation and compliance with its special education plan are the other two major factors used in the rating system. Several categories of distinguished merit are created. The current system of sanctions for low performing schools stays the same except that it allows for low performing schools to be turned over to for profit companies. The Commissioner is given greater latitude to evaluate whether a campus should be closed that under the current system.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-08-09 S Voted favorably from committee as substituted Senate Education

HB 18

Leibowitz

Relating to the creation of an anti-bullying hotline.

General Remarks:

Creates a anti-bullying hotline for primary or secondary students to report incidents of bullying by using a toll free number or via the internet.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Appropriations

HB 41

Corte

Relating to creation of a public education voucher pilot program for certain children.

General Remarks:

This is a Voucher Bill!  Creates a Public Education Voucher Pilot Program for use by parents for students that are educationally disadvantaged, eligible to attend a school in a district among the six largest, was enrolled in a public school, and either failed to perform satisfactorily on assessment instrument or was denied a PEG at another public school.  Voucher amount equals what the district would receive for that student.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 53

Branch

Relating to the equalized wealth level and guaranteed yield under the school finance system.

General Remarks:

Simply updates the amount of "hold harmless" based on AISD's rate in any given year.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 54

Branch

Relating to the information required to be provided in or with an ad valorem tax bill for school district taxes.

General Remarks:

Requires notice in residential tax bills for districts with wealth per student that exceeds equalized wealth level to give notice of the percentage of the district's taxes that must be used to enable district to achieve the equalized wealth level.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

05-04-09 H Committee action pending House Ways and Means

HB 68

Lucio III

Relating to the selection of hosting locations for certain University Interscholastic League extracurricular competitions.

Companions:

SB 101 Lucio (Identical)   2-10-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 84

Martinez

Relating to a cost of living increase applicable to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System.

Companions:

HB 686 Herrero (Identical)   2-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Services

General Remarks:

Requires TRS to adjust yearly benefit during the last seven days of October for following calendar year to equal the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers most recently published.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Servi

HB 85

Martinez

Relating to the salary paid to certain professional employees of public schools.

General Remarks:

Provides for a $4,000 pay raise with pass through provisions.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 86

Martinez

Relating to the salary paid to certain professional employees of public schools.

General Remarks:

Allows for the Commissioner of Education to adopt rules to establish a method for annually setting a salary schedule for classroom teachers,etc.  The method must provide a salary level for each year of experience from zero to 20 years.  Commissioner shall ensure the schedule is consistent with the national average salary, based on experience, using National Center for Education Statistics or similar independent education-oriented institution.  Also allows for state aid equal to the difference between the district's salary cost and an amount equal to what the salary cost would have been for that school year based on another bill being passed amending Section 21.402 of the Texas Education Code.  And allows for a credit to districts that have to reduce wealth under Ch. 41.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 88

Martinez

Relating to the use of revenue from a tax increment fund to acquire, construct or reconstruct educational facilities.

General Remarks:

Allows a county or municipality to construct educational facilities in the same way as any other public improvement.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

04-27-09 H Meeting set for 8:30 A.M., E2.036 House Ways and Means

HB 99

Brown, Fred

Relating to a modified instructional calendar for public high schools providing an early college education program.

General Remarks:

Allows for a district to modify the start date of a school year for a high school that provides an early college education program to conform with the calendar of a college, university or technical school with which the high school has entered into an articulation agreement as provided by law.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-26-09 H Meeting cancelled for 03/03/09 House Public Education

HB 106

Phillips

Relating to a minimum salary schedule for certain professional public school employees with more than 20 years of experience.

General Remarks:

Modifications to state salary schedule for teachers with 20 or moreyears of experience. Also, provides for state aid to assist adistrict with difference insalary costs associated with newsalary schedule for those experienced 20 years or more. Essentially, creates a 35 step salary schedule.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 130

Patrick, Diane

Relating to an enhanced quality full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts in conjunction with community providers.

Companions:

SB 21 Zaffirini (Identical)   4-23-09 S Committee action pending Senate Education

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Mandates prekindergarten class for half day unless district decides to operate a full day prekindergarten using certain funds.  No transportation is required.  Defines "enhanced" full day program and requires contracts with community providers.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-08-09 H Passed (Vote: Y:106/N: 31)

HB 131

Chisum

Relating to the treatment of students receiving a high school equivalency certificate in calculating dropout rates in public schools.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Exempts from consideration of a dropout any student that has obtained a high school equivalency certificate (GED).

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

04-16-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 136

Villarreal

Relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children of the availability of prekindergarten classes.

Companions:

SB 1032 Van de Putte (Identical)   3-13-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Mandates state agency organization to increase community awareness of pre-k programs.  Districts must also report to TEA strategies implemented to increase awareness.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-08-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 145

McClendon

Relating to state aid for certain juvenile justice alternatives education programs that enter into certain revenue sharing agreements.

General Remarks:

Provides for state aid for JJAEPs in an amount that equals the difference of the cost for the 2008-09 and 2010-11, and the rate that was contracted at during the 2005-06 program year.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

05-02-09 H Reported favorably from committee on House Corrections

HB 149

Smith, Todd

Relating to the penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus.

General Remarks:

Lowers fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus from $200 to not more than $1,000 to $200 to not more than $500.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

03-16-09 H Committee action pending House Public Safety

HB 150

Smith, Todd

Relating to the application of the sales and use tax to the sale of certain food products sold at school events.

General Remarks:

Exempts from sales tax any food products, meals, soft drinks and candy sold during an event sponsored or sanctioned by a school district at a concession stand operated by a temporary or permanent school employee or volunteer, but only if the proceeds benefit the district.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

05-12-09 H Set on the Local Calendar

HB 151

Coleman

Relating to a notification requirement if a nurse is not assigned to a public school campus.

Companions:

SB 158 Ellis (Identical)   3-31-09 H Referred to House Committee on House Public Education

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Requires notice to parents if a full time nurse is not assigned to a campus for more than 30 consecutive days during the same school year.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

03-24-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 153

Olivo

Relating to the promotion of students to certain grade levels in public schools.

General Remarks:

Provides for intervention and additional tests for students failing TAKS at the 3rd, 5th and 8th grade levels. Upon failure, student must be given a second attempt, with a grade placement committee convened before the second test, and accelerated instruction must be provided along with an educational plan for the student to be designed to enable the student to perform at the appropriate grade level by the conclusion of the school year. Accelerated instruction group cannot exceed ten students. Grade placement committee must include principal or designee, parents or guardian, and teacher of failed subject(s). Upon failure a second time, the grade placement committee shall determine if the student should be promoted based upon student's demonstration of overall competency in TEKS at grade level. Upon determination of no promotion, the student must be given a third attempt to pass the test. Upon third failure, committee can determine to promote, but cannot retain student unless committee decision is unanimous. Commissioner of Education shall by rule establish deadlines for conducting committee decisions. If at any point it is determined by the teacher that the student is not perfomring at grade level, the teacher shall notify parents and request a conference not later than the 30th day before the first day on which the TAKS test is to be administered.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 154

Olivo

Relating to the requirements for a public high school diploma.

General Remarks:

Establishes Alternative Graduation Criteria so a student can still get a diploma if they successfully complete the cirriculum requirements identified by SBOE.  If a student fails to pass any of the assessment exams required by law, then the COE is mandated to establish alternative graduation criteria which must include grade point average beginning in grade 9, current class ranking, performance on assessments required by law, and overall academic performance beginning in grade 9, as evaluated by two or more of the student's teachers.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 156

Woolley

Relating to eliminating automatic admission to certain public institutions of higher education based on high school grade point average.

General Remarks:

Mandates use of THECB's standard method to compute high school grade point average by all districts which will then be applied for use in automatic admission to certain public institutions of higher education.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

03-11-09 H Committee action pending House Higher Education

HB 159

Deshotel

Relating to unstructured activity requirements for public elementary school students.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Mandates districts to require students enrolled in elementary school to participate in unstructured and undirected play for at least 20 minutes each school day.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

04-21-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 160

Deshotel

Relating to the creation and administration of a community-based at-risk youth programs.

Companions:

SB 1546 Uresti (Identical)   3-17-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

General Remarks:

Creates the Education and Self-Sufficiency Program to assist students at risk of dropping out of school, and to develop a foundation for well balanced and appropriate education from early childhood to junior high using small school campuses, more variety in instruction, after school enrichment programs among other interventions. Allows for community-based organizations to participate with proven track records.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

05-02-09 H Reported from committee as substituted House Corrections

HB 171

Olivo

Relating to consideration of mitigating factors in determining appropriated disciplinary action to be taken against a public school student.

Companions:

SB 2270 Gallegos (Identical)   5- 4-09 H Referred to House Committee on House Public Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Mandates that consideration shall be given, rather than making it discretionary, the following factors when determining whether a student should be suspended, removed to a disciplinary alternative education program, or expelled: self-defense; intent or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct; a student's disciplinary history; or a disability that substantially impairs the student's capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the student's conduct.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-01-09 H Passed (Vote: Y: 93/N: 48)

HB 172

Olivo

Relating to the right of a parent of a public school student to prompt notice of certain disciplinary action taken against the student.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Mandates that a parent is entitled to notice from a school district when the parent's child is placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled or placed in a juvenile justice alternative education program. Process required notification by 5pm on day of event causing placement.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-05-09 H Reported from committee as substituted House Public Education

HB 181

Alonzo

Relating to a program to provide financial incentives to students who agree to teach bilingual education.

General Remarks:

Creates the Financial Incentive Program to Prepare Teachers in Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish to provide tuition assistance and student loan repayment.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 182

Alonzo

Relating to a program to assist certain persons to become certified to teach in bilingual education programs.

General Remarks:

Creates a Bilingual Education Certification Program for students obtaining 60 semester hours of course work toward an associate degree at a junior college to earn a baccalaureate degree and be certified to teach in a bilingual education program in a public elementary or secondary school.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 192

Alonzo

Relating to the abscence of a student from school for activities in connection with obtaining United States citizenship.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Requires a school district to excuse a student from attending school for the purpose of appearing at a governmental office to complete paperwork for application for US citizenship or for taking part in a US naturalization oath ceremony.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-08-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 200

Heflin

Relating to continuing education requirements for public school principals.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Repeals section of education code regarding continuing educationrequirements for public school principals that requires the Board topropose rules establishing a process for identifying continuingeducation courses and programs that fulfull educators' continuingeducation requirements. Also repeals requirement that continuingeducation be based on individual assessment of the knowledge, skillsand proficiencies necessary to perform sucessfully as a principalidentified by statute.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-08-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 201

Dukes

Relating to state financial assistance to school districts that make contributions for social security coverage.

General Remarks:

Mandates the state to pay 50 percent of the total costs incurred by a school district in making contributions for social security coverage for the district's employees, but is limited to: (1) school districts that covered district employees under the social security program before January 1, 2009; and (2) contributions made on behalf of employees in a class of employees the district covered under the social security program before January 1, 2009.

Track Name(s):

(Master List Only), Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Appropriations

HB 202

Dukes

Relating to the guaranteed benefits of a public school educator.

Companions:

SB 2358 Gallegos (Identical)   3-31-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

General Remarks:

Makes it a violation of the educator's code of ethics for a principal, supervisor, or administrator to deny an educator a benefit provided to the educator under Chapter 21 or Chapter 22, including: (1) planning and preparation time (2) a duty-free lunch and (3) personal leave. Also provides specific instances of what can be considered retaliation and mandates board sanctions against a principal, supervisor or administrator that violates this law.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 203

Castro

Relating to notice to certain public school high school seniors and their parents or guardians of automatic college admission.

General Remarks:

Requires the notice provided to students regarding automatic admission to be provided not later than the 14th day after the last day of classes for the fall semester. Also requires a new form to be used indicating receipt of notice by the student or parent by signature.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

03-11-09 H Committee action pending House Higher Education

HB 204

Castro

Relating to a survey to monitor the postsecondary education plans of seniors at public high schools.

General Remarks:

Mandates the development of a postsecondary education survey that a public high school may use to monitor postsecondary education plans of its seniors. Deadline for TEA to develop and post is January 1, 2010.  Survey may be administered by high school counselors.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 214

Bonnen

Relating to certain requirements imposed on a sex offender who enters the premise of a school.

General Remarks:

Requires persons that are registered sex offenders and enter thepremises of a school to immediately notify the administrative office ofthe person's presence on the premises and that the person is aregistered sex offender. The school may then require that person to be chaperoned on campus.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

03-04-09 H Committee action pending House Criminal Jurisprudence

HB 219

Menendez

Relating to an offense of using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle in a school crossing zone.

General Remarks:

Prohibits an operator of a motor vehicle in a school crossing zone from using a wireless communication device unless the vehicle is stopped. Affirmative defense is established if the operator is calling for emergency service. An offense under this law is a misdemeanor punishable by fine of not less than $125 and not more than $200 dollars. Part of the funds collected will be deposited with the Foundation School Fund.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

03-10-09 H Committee action pending House Transportation

HB 224

Olivo

Relating to available training for school resource officers and school district peace officers.

General Remarks:

Mandates additional training for school district peace officers which includes curriculum that incorporates learning objectives regarding discipline management practices or behavior management practices.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 231

Pitts

Relating to local regulation of distance requirements for businesses selling alcoholic beverages near a public school.

General Remarks:

Expands current law to allow all school boards to petition the commissioners court of the county where the district is located to adopt a zoning ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages within 1,000 feet of a public school.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 252

Berman

Relating to authorizing the appointment of students to serve as election clerks.

General Remarks:

Sets forth requirements for a student in high school to be eligible to serve as a clerk of an election precinct including being in good standing at school and having at least a 2.5 grade point average, and has consent of the principal or other authorized person. Also includes an age requirement of 16 years, US citizenship and completion of required training.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

04-23-09 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar

HB 262

Berman

Relating to information regarding the citizenship status of students.

General Remarks:

Requires districts and open enrollment charters schools to determine whether a student is considered an "undocumented immigrant" at initial enrollment. If the student is determined to be undocumented, the student's parents must establish the citizenship or immigration status of the student within 30 days of enrollment. The district is then required to report the citizenship and immigration status in the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) report. Annual reports under this provision will then be submitted to the SBOE for use to analyze any impact on the standard or quality of education provided to students who are citizens that may occur as a result of the admission of undocumented immigrants.

Track Name(s):

(Master List Only)(Oppose), Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 265

Berman

Relating to the applicability of sex offender registration requirements to the offense of improper relationship between educator and student.

General Remarks:

Requires a person to comply with the sex offender registration requirements for a violation of the Penal Code dealing with an improper relationship between an educator and a student.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

03-25-09 H Committee action pending House Criminal Jurisprudence

HB 274

Callegari

Relating to supplemental annuity payments by the Teacher Retirement System.

General Remarks:

Allows TRS to pay out supplemental payments in addition to any annuity check already committed to retirees the board determines to be eligible based on years of service, effective date of retirement or death, and other reasonable criteria. Supplemental payments are to be paid out of the retired reserve account and may transfer funds from the state contribution account any portion of the supplemental payment that exceeds the amount in the retired reserve account.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

04-22-09 H Committee action pending House Pensions/Investments/Financial Services

HB 275

Rodriguez

Relating to methods to increase the number of students who participate in school breakfast programs.

General Remarks:

Establishes a program to increase participation in the Breakfast Program provided for by the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 for schools and applicable campuses with 60% or more qualifying students for the free or reduced price breakfast. Each districts school health advisory council is instructed to study and recommend how to increase participation and encourage each school to offer a free breakfast to all students regardless of family income, and to investigate alternative methods of delivery of breakfast including after school day has begun.

Track Name(s):

(Master List Only)(Support), Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 279

Anchia

Relating to reimbursement for medical assistance provided by a school-based health center to certain recipients.

General Remarks:

Provides for reimbursement to school based health centers under the medical assistance prgram regardless of whether a primary care doctor is required or whether a referral is required.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

05-11-09 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar

HB 281

Anchia

Relating to grants for school-based health centers.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Expands current law to allow for federal or state funds to be used for a grant program, not only awarded to school districts, but to nonprofit organizations that contract with school districts. Rural districts are to be given preference and the grant can be used to open, expand, or operate a school-based health center.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-01-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 289

Dutton

Relating to the provision of courses in behavioral modification by disciplinary alternative education programs and juvenile justice alternative education programs.

General Remarks:

Expands current law with regard to DAEP programs and requires program to offer a course in behavioral modification taught by a person who has at minimum a bachelor's degree in behavioral science.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 294

Dutton

Relating to a maximum class size for certain public school students who perform poorly on an assessment instrument.

General Remarks:

Requires students failing assessment instruments in the third, fourthand fifth grades to be placed in a class size not to exceed ninestudents until completion of the sixth grade.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 307

Dutton

Relating to the provision of and funding for Saturday classes for elementary school students who fail to pass certain assessment instruments.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Allows for a district to hold classes on Saturdays during the regular school year for elementary students who fail to perform satisfactorily on certain assessment instruments. A participating school district will be entitled to funding for students in average daily attendance in a Saturday class.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

03-24-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 315

Raymond

Relating to the instruction of American Sign Language in public high schools.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Mandates a public high school to offer an elective course in American Sign Language and must be offered through in-person instruction by a teacher in the classroom and not by teleconferencing or other electronic means.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-12-09 H Set on the Local Calendar

HB 316

Raymond

Relating to mandatory kindergarten attendance in public schools.

General Remarks:

Mandates children reaching age 5 on September 1, or younger than 5 on September 1 and have previously been enrolled in Pre-K or Kindergarten, must attend school.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 318

Raymond

Relating to a pilot program establishing a safe schools unit in the Department of Public Safety.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Establishes a Safe Schools Unit pilot program in DPS for the 2010-11 school year to provide information and other assistance to districts concerning issues of juvenile delinquency, juvenile substance abuse, and other law enforcement issues. Five counties are to be selected to participate of varying population.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

04-17-09 H Reported favorably from committee on House Corrections

HB 326

Raymond

Relating to limits on the size of prekindergarten classes in public schools.

Companions:

SB 156 Ellis (Identical)   2-10-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

General Remarks:

Limits class size in a prekindergarten class to 18 and K-4 classes to 22 students.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 327

Raymond

Relating to a grant program for after-school child-care provided by school districts.

General Remarks:

Providing funds are appropriated, mandates COE to make grants to districts for use in operating after school child care programs for students in K-8 grades. Priority in grant money must go to schools in counties with 500,000 population or less and where a majority of students come from low income families.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 329

Pierson

Relating to the guaranteed level of state and local funds for the instructional facilities allotment and the existing debt allotment under the public school finance system.

Companions:

SB 1029 Davis, Wendy (Identical)   3-13-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

General Remarks:

Provides a funding formula guaranteeing every school district a specified amount per student in state and local funds for each cent of tax effort to pay the principal of and interest on eligible bonds issued to construct, acquire, renovate, or improve an instructional facility.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 336

Harless

Relating to the repeal of the requirement that school districts conduct emergency school bus evacuation training.

Companions:

HB 374 Bonnen (Identical)   4-27-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Transportation and Homeland Security HB 854 Laubenberg (Identical)   2-23-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Repeals section of the Education Code requiring school districts to conduct emergency school bus evacuation training.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 337

Harless

Relating to the costs of holding certain joint elections.

General Remarks:

Mandates that when a school district holds a joint election iwth a county, it is not required to pay any of the costs associated with the conduct of voting in the election on election day or the period for early voting by personal appearance.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

04-15-09 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.036 House Elections

HB 339

Phillips

Relating to driver education and driver's licensing requirements for minors.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Mandates a school district to offer a driver education and traffic safety course during each school year and permits district to charge a fee comparable to fee charged by commercial driving schools. Further requires COE to adopt rules for driver education course for students under 18 years of age to complete at least 34 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, including at least 10 hours of instruction to take place at night. Also mandates TXDOT to keep statistics of collisions of students taught by public schools, commercial driving schools, and other entities where the uniform certificate of course completion is issued. Extends the curfew for driving during the 12 months following issuance of a license to 10 p.m.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-06-09 H Passed (Vote: Y:139/N: 4)

HB 349

Strama

Relating to placement of public school students with certain disabilities in juvenile justice alternative education programs.

General Remarks:

Requires notice of a meeting of a student's admission, review, and dismissal committee for the purpose of discussing a students' proposed expulsion from a campus if the student has a disability who receives special education services. Also, requires notice and a meeting with the district if the JJAEP for which the student is placed cannot provide the appropriate services for that student to determine what steps to take in future placement.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 350

Leibowitz Van de Putte

Relating to use of school district resources for athletic facilities.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Allows a district located in a county with over one million people to contract with an institution of higher education within the county to pay a portion of the costs of the design or construction of a stadium or other athletic facility.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-07-09 S Committee action pending Senate Education

HB 359

Strama

Relating to the absence of a student from public school to visit with a parent who has been or will be deployed to a combat zone.

Companions:

SB 1075 Van de Putte (Identical)   4-16-09 H Referred to House Committee on House Public Education

General Remarks:

Allows for an excused absence for a student who misses school to spend time with a parent who is called to duty for, is on leave from, or is returning from deployment to a combat zone as a member of the armed forces of the United States, a reserve component or state military forces.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 367

Anderson

Relating to restrictions on written information required to be provided by school districts and public school teachers.

General Remarks:

Mandates the commissioner of education to adopt policies that result in a reduction of at least 10% in the total amount of written paperwork, reports, and other information that a district is required by the agency to prepare based on what was required in the 2008-09 school year which shall begin in the 2010-11 school year.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 368

Anderson

Relating to site-based public school discipline policy committees.

General Remarks:

Establishes a Site-Based School Discipline Policy Committee which shall be permitted by a school district at each campus. Allows for a group of classroom teachers at a campus to establish said committee by a petition containing signatures of at least 50% of the classroom teachers at the campus. Must be approved by the principal if submitted not later than the 10th instructional day of the school year. By the 20th instructional day, an election shall be held by secret ballot to establish an executive board. The purpose of the committee is to set policy concerning discipline management and the student code of conduct under Chapter 37; establish goals and methods for violence prevention and intervention on campus; establish policy for the safety of teachers and other school personnel; and establish methods for teachers to address the committee or board regarding individual or systematic concerns in matters of school discipline and personnel safety.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed

Bill History:

02-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 374

Bonnen

Relating to the repeal of the requirement that school districts conduct emergency school bus evacuation training.

Companions:

HB 336 Harless (Identical)   2-17-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education HB 854 Laubenberg (Identical)   2-23-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Repeals section of education code requiring school districts to conduct emergency school bus evacuation training.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

04-27-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Transportation and Homeland Security

HB 420

Howard, Donna

Relating to the nonpartisan election of members to the State Board of Education.

General Remarks:

Requires that a candidate for the State Board of Education be listed on the ballot as an independent candidate.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

04-27-09 H Committee action pending House Elections

HB 424

Castro

Relating to exemptions from the sales tax for certain school supplies.

General Remarks:

Exempts school supplies from sales tax if purchased for use by a student in a public or private elementary or secondary school prior to the school year for a sales price less than $100 dollars. This law further defines what is meant by school supplies.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

04-20-09 H Committee action pending House Ways and Means

HB 440

Edwards

Relating to one-time supplemental payments of retirement or death benefits by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

General Remarks:

Provides for a supplemental payment equal to the lesser of the gross amount of the regular annuity payment as of August 2009 or $2,400 dollars to all TRS eligible annuitants, the effective date of the retirement of the member of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas being on or before December 31, 2008.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Servi

HB 460

Leibowitz

Relating to the proximity of a school bus stop to the residence of a sex offender.

General Remarks:

Requires districts to locate school bus stops at least 1,500 feet from the residence of a known sex offender.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 462

Eissler

Relating to the use of personal leave by a public school employee.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Prohibits the ability of a board of trustees of a school district to adopt a policy that restricts the order in which an employee may use the state minimum personal leave and any additional personal leave provided by the school district.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

04-27-09 H Laid on the table - subject to call - see SB 522

HB 465

Paxton

Relating to the number of charters the State Board of Education may grant for open-enrollment charter schools.

Companions:

SB 308 Patrick, Dan (Identical)   3-31-09 S Committee action pending Senate Education

General Remarks:

Expands the number of charters that the State Board of Education my grant. Currently, the SBOE is limited to granting no more than 215 charters.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 466

Paxton

Relating to procedures relating to placement of a public school student in a disciplinary alternative education program.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Provides for due process and representation to students removed from class by a teacher. Valid attempts to require a person's attendance at a hearing is replaced with good faith attempts. Not later than the first school day after a conference is held regarding the removal, the principal shall deliver to student and guardian a copy of the order placing the student in a DAEP program and the student's right to appeal that decision to the board of trustees. The appeal hearing must be held within 15 business days after the date of the conference. The student is entitled to represenation of choice. The board of trustees decision is final and cannot be appealed. Notice must then be provided to the juvenile court in the county of residence. Expelled students must attend a JJAEP program in their county or other education program.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

04-28-09 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar

HB 467

Paxton

Relating to authorization for a school district board of trustees to adopt term limits.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Allows a board of trustees to adopt term limits by resolution.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

03-10-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 474

Allen

Relating to the authority of a school district to implement a monitoring system that records images of vehicles that pass a stopped school bus.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Allows a board of trustees to install a monitoring system that is capable of taking electronic or video images of vehicles that pass a stopped bus unloading or loading students. A fine may be assessed by the board.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

04-28-09 H Reported from committee as substituted House Public Education

HB 476

Allen

Relating to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

General Remarks:

Allows for a 10% adjustment to TRS benefits. Also provides for a four percent annual cost of living adjustment.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Servi

HB 484

Gonzales

Relating to reports of incidents of bullying at public schools and at public school activities.

General Remarks:

Requires annual reporting of incidents of bullying during the preceding school year that occurred in the district on school property, in a school vehicle, or at a school sponsored event, including a school bus stop. Rules shall be adopted by the Commissioner of Education for the reporting requirement.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 504

Kolkhorst

Relating to the creation of an offense for a parent's contribution to a child's failure to comply with a sentence or court order relating to a disruptive activity or disruption of class on school property.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Creates a Class C misdemeanor if a parent with criminal negligence has contributed to, caused or encouraged their child to fail to comply with terms of a court sentence or order relating to delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

04-16-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 506

Howard, Donna

Relating to the establishment and implementation of a school-based influenza vaccination pilot program.

Companions:

SB 424 Van de Putte (Identical)   5- 6-09 H Committee action pending House Public Health

General Remarks:

Mandates TEA and the Department of State Health Services to jointly implement for the 2009-10 school year a school based influenza vaccination pilot program using both killed vaccine and live attenuated vaccine in targeted school districts. Further creates a pilot program subcommittee for the study.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Health

HB 511

Patrick, Diane

Relating to staff development requirements in public schools.

Companions:

SB 451 Van de Putte (Identical)   5- 7-09 H Reported favorably from committee on House Public Education

General Remarks:

Relates to staff development in public schools and requires research based training for teachers working with students with disabilities and for other teachers only on the recommnedation o fthe admission, review and dismissal committee for a student receivign instruction from the educator. Training as to what is permissible under law is permissible.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 517

Strama

Relating to annual stipends provided to public school teachers who serve as mentors to other public school teachers.

General Remarks:

Districts assigning teachers to serve as mentors pursuant to the Education Code must adopt a policy that governs the selection and duties of teachers assigned as mentors, and to ensure that a mentor teacher stipend is provided only to a teacher who fulfills the duties specified in the designed policy. Stipends are for $1000 dollars per school year serving as a mentor but can be reduced based on the available funds to the district. All mentors must be paid the same amount and the amount will not be calculated in the minimum monthly salary schedule.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 522

Giddings

Relating to intensive preparation academies in certain school districts to prepare public school students to take required end-of-course assessment instruments.

General Remarks:

Requires districts with enrollment over 5,000 to operate an intensive perparation academy to prepare those students to retake end of course exams if five percent or more of the students in the district fail. The academy must operate for at least 30 days, include instruction on relevant material, and include instruction in strategies for performing satisfactorily. Students failing must attend those portions of the academy relating to the areas failed.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

04-22-09 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar

HB 525

Eissler

Relating to certain standards for group-administered achievement tests used by school districts.

Companions:

SB 759 Williams (Identical)   5- 7-09 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Public Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Increases the number of years a company or organization can distribute, sell or grade for the same school district from three to eight years. State and national norms of averages shall be computed using data that are not more than eight years versus the six now required.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

03-10-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 540

Raymond

Relating to bullying as a ground for removing a public school student from class and placing the student in a disciplinary alternative education program.

General Remarks:

Requires a student to be removed from class and placed in a DAEP program if the student engages in bullying.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 541

Raymond

Relating to assessment of public school students receiving special education services.

General Remarks:

Exempts students participating in special education prgrams from having to take certain assessment instruments.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 542

Raymond

Relating to placement of public school students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative in certain circumstances to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.

General Remarks:

Provides principals and administrators with an alternate to DAEP placement when a student violates the code of conduct by requiring the student to participate in a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Placement is mandatory when the school the student attends offers the program and the student meets the initial eligibility requirements for the program.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 546

Raymond

Relating to the salary paid to certain professional employees of public schools.

Companions:

SB 2343 Uresti (Identical)   3-31-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

General Remarks:

This is the salary bill that Rep. Raymond filed on behalf of TSTA in the last legislative session. It allows for an additional state funded salary increase in addition to what the district salary schedule would provide, with amounts varying depending on years of experience.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-19-09 H Rereferred to Committee on House Public Education

HB 550

Madden

Relating to annual courses on public school finance offered to the public by regional education service centers.

General Remarks:

Provides for state funding to each regional education service center for the purpose of providing mandatory courses to the public on public school finance.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 552

Madden

Relating to the provision of competitive grants to fund programs for certain public school students assigned to disciplinary alternative education programs or in-school suspension.

Companions:

SB 453 West (Identical)   2-17-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Provides for a grant program whereby the commissioner shall award grants to districts to conduct youth violence prevention, drug abuse prevention, or delinquency prevention programs for students at risk of dropping out of school assigned to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or an in-school suspension setting. Allows for the district to contract with a private provider, another public school, or a regional education service center for services to implement a grant awarded.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

04-16-09 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Public Education

HB 615

Turner, Sylvester

Relating to the right of an employee who is a parent of a child enrolled in special education program to time off from work to meet with certain persons affecting the education of the child.

Companions:

SB 648 Van de Putte (Identical)   2-23-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce

General Remarks:

Mandates unpaid leave time for employees who have been employeed by the same employer for at least one year for the purpose of meeting with school personnel when they have a child enrolled in a special education program in grades K through 12. A person is entitled to up to 10 hours of leave in each 12 month period for this purpose.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

03-09-09 H Sent to subcommittee House Business and Industry

HB 624

Flores

Relating to state funding for school districts for transportation of students who would be subject to hazardous traffic conditions while walking.

General Remarks:

Provides for additional funding over the transportation allotment per student for those students living within two miles of the school they attend who would be subject to hazardous traffic conditions if they walked to school. The amount of the additional allotment shall be determined by the commissioner.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 625

Flores

Relating to the transportation allotment provided under the public school finance system.

Companions:

HB 1477 Marquez (Identical)   3- 2-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Appropriations

General Remarks:

Provides for transportation allotment formulas to be used for funding purposes.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Appropriations

HB 626

Allen

Relating to an educational involvement agreement setting forth the respective responsibilities of students, parents, teachers, and principals in public schools.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Mandates TEA to adopt an educational involvement agreement form for use by districts to be signed by a student, the student's parent, each of the student's teachers, and the principal of the student's school. The purpose of the agreement is to state the respective responsibilities of those signing the agreement. The agreement must be provided to all not later than the 14th day after the date the student enrolls. The agreement includes the responsibility of each teacher to provide each student with proper instruction, supervision and interaction; maximize the educational and social experience of each student; perform professional responsibilities in a manner that is in the best interest of each student; and be available to parents to discuss concerns. Districts may expand the requirements of these agreements. The agreement may also be accompanied by the manner in which a parent may contact the student's teacher or principal.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-08-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 635

Guillen

Relating to the authority of the Texas Education Agency to seek, accept, and distribute grants available for the benefit of public elementary and secondary education.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Provides that TEA may seek, accept, and distribute grants awarded by the federal government subject to the limitations imposed by law. Also allows the commissioner to determine that a Head Start program operated in this state by a district or a community based organization serves the function of a public elementary school under the laws of this state by providing elementary education at one or more program facilities.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-04-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 636

Guillen

Relating to allocation of state and federal fund for adult basic education.

Companions:

SB 774 Lucio (Identical)   3- 4-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Provides for the allocation of state and federal funds intended for adult basic education, and mandates that 75 percent be allocated based on the best available estimates of the number of eligible adults in each county and school district geographic area and 25 percent should be based on student contact hours reported by each school district for the most recent complete fiscal year.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-07-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 642

Zerwas

Relating to requiring the Texas Education Agency to prepare a report regarding public education mandates.

General Remarks:

Mandates the Texas Education Agency to prepare a report that idnetifies each public education mandate that applies to this state which is a requirement made by federal or state law. Each mandate must be listed individually and state the law authorizing the mandate; whether the mandate is fully funded, partially funded or unfunded; whether the funding is provided by state or federal funds or a combination thereof; an estimate of any cost required to be paid by the state or the districts; if it is duplicative of another mandate; conflicts created by the mandate; and recommnedations relating to revising or eliminating the mandate. The agency must solicit information relating to the mandates from districts, employees, or any other interested person. The report is due no later than December 1, 2010 to the leadership of the legislature.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 648

Davis, Yvonne

Relating to the selection of certain members of the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

General Remarks:

Provides for three appointments to TRS by the Governor instead fo the current seven appointments of the board of trustees; and provides for two elected members of the board by the members of the system who are currently employed by a public school district and one member who is receiving benefits. An additional member shall be elected that is currently employed by an institution of higher education.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

05-05-09 H Reported favorably from committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Services

HB 660

Edwards

Relating to the salary paid to certain professional employees of public schools.

General Remarks:

Provides for a state funded salary increase for classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time counselors and full-time nurses in the amount of $500 dollars in addition to whatever monthly salary the employee is entitled to for the 2009-10 school year under the district's salary schedule. The bill also provides for additional state aid or credit against cost of attendance credits for professional staff salaries equal ot the product of $5,000 multiplied by the number of classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time counselors, and full-time nurses. Chapter 41 districts are entitled to a credit for the amount calculated under this provision.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 668

Hopson

Increasing the residence homestead exemption from taxation by a school district, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total mount of taxes imposed by a district, protecting against the resulting loss in revenue.

General Remarks:

Increases the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15 thousand to $30 thousand.

Track Name(s):

House Bills, Public Ed, Tax Bills

Bill History:

03-11-09 H Committee action pending House Ways and Means

HB 674

Villarreal

Relating to creating a county task force to study collaborative methods for public education cost savings in certain counties.

Companions:

SB 1031 Van de Putte (Identical)   3-13-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

General Remarks:

Creates a County Task Force on Public Education Efficiencies in counties with a population of more than one million and where 80 percent of the population resides in a single municipality. The Task Force shall be composed of three members appointed by the county judge, three appointed by the presiding officer fo the largest municipality in the county, and one appointed jointly. The Task Force must research and investigate the feasibility of using cooperative agreements between public school districts and municipalities or counties to achieve cost savings on public school functions outside the classroom.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 683

Farrar

Relating to contact between a public school student who assaults another student and the student victim.

General Remarks:

Provides protections to a student who is a victim of a crime by another student to notify a counselor at the school or the district to ensure limited contact between the students. A provision is included requiring the counselor to communicate to the offending student's parent that a transfer to another school is recommended and that the parent should attempt to transfer the student to enroll in another school. A failure to transfer puts the burden on the counselor to develop a plan for ensuring that the students do not have contact during the school day or during extracurricular activities.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 686

Herrero

Relating to a cost of living increase applicable to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Companions:

HB 84 Martinez (Identical)   2-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Services

General Remarks:

Provides for an adjustment to retirement benefits to reflect inflation. Requires TRS board to adjust every October to provide a cost of living adjustment for Social Security benefit payments payable beginning in January of the following year.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Servi

HB 687

Herrero

Relating to long-term funding of benefits for retired teachers.

General Remarks:

Creates a Retired Health Benefits Fund to be funded by contributions from active employees, employers, and the state, investment income and other money required or authorized by law. The fund is to provide health benefits for a tretiree who was born on or after September 1, 1977.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Servi

HB 688

Herrero

Relating to the election of certain members of the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

General Remarks:

Reduces the number of appointments to the TRS board by the Governor from seven to six appointments. Allows for one member to be elected who is retired and receiving benefits.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

04-01-09 H Committee action pending House Pensions/Investments/Financial Services

HB 689

Herrero

Relating to the state contribution to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

General Remarks:

Changes the state contribution rate to TRS to at least seven percent from six percent.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-18-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Pensions/Investments/Financial Servi

HB 702

Heflin

Relating to the eligibility of school districts in certain counties to enter into agreements under the Texas Economic Development Act.

General Remarks:

Allows a school district to contract under the Texas Economic Development Act if the district has territory in a county that has a population of less than 50,000 and has census data from 1990 to 2000 showing the population remained the same, decreased or increased at three percent or less per annum.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

04-08-09 H Committee action pending House Ways and Means

HB 709

Rose Watson

Relating to the award of stipends to nationally certified classroom teachers under the educator excellence awards program.

Companions:

SB 1763 Watson (Identical)   3-20-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Provides for a stipend to a classroom teacher who obtains national board certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards purusant to the educator excellence award programs.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-08-09 S Recommended for Local/Uncontested Calendar

HB 710

Rose

Relating to placing the State Board of Education under periodic review by the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Companions:

SB 513 Ellis (Identical)   2-17-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Provides for the review of the State Board of Education with no provision for actual abolishment by the Texas Sunset provisions. The first review will be in 2011 and every 12th year thereafter.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

05-06-09 H Failed to pass (Vote: N: 73/Y: 71)

HB 716

Riddle

Relating to a school choice program for certain students with disabilities.

Companions:

SB 183 Williams (Identical)   4- 7-09 S Committee action pending Senate Education

General Remarks:

This is a voucher bill. Provides for a school choice program for students with disabilities. Qualifying schools mean nongovernmental community-based educational establishments that exist for the public good and provides for the educational needs of elementary and secondary students with disabilities. Choice options are public schools or a scholarship to pay the costs of attending a qualifying school. The scholarship is to be in an amount that the public school district would have received had the student made the choice to go to a public school within the district. Accountability requirements mandate that the student by administered annually the appropriate assessment instrument required in public schools or a nationally norm referenced assessment instrument provided by TEA.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-19-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 726

Miklos

Relating to the frequency and content of school bus emergency evacuation training.

Companions:

SB 356 Carona (Identical)   3- 4-09 S Committee action pending Senate Transportation and Homeland Security

General Remarks:

Amends school bus evacuation law to provide for training in the fall of each year to school bus passengers only. Adds a provision that requires a review of school bus emergency evacuation procedures with school bus passengers immediately before each field trip involving transportation by a school bus.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-19-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 727

Madden

Relating to the closure of a public school campus that is being used as an emergency evacuation shelter.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Requires a district to close any campus that is being used to house evacuees for whatever reason. The Commissioner shall reduce the number of days of instruction required for the closure.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

03-10-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 734

Orr

Relating to certain requirements for school bus emergency evacuation training.

General Remarks:

Requires school bus training at least once every school year instead of twice with the only requirement that it be conducted on a school bus.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-19-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 741

Castro

Relating to health education curriculum and instruction in public schools.

Companions:

SB 515 Ellis (Identical)   2-17-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Requires school boards with the advice of the local school health advisory council to present medically accurate and age appropriate information in any course materials relating to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Also requires materials to reflect the encouragement of effective communication between students and parents, and addressing the economic and emotional requirements of parenthood.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

03-31-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 752

England Harris

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to enter into an agreement with a school district to dedicate revenue from a tax increment fund to the acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of an educational facility.

Companions:

SB 2174 Harris (Identical)   4-27-09 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Economic Development

General Remarks:

Amends current law by increasing the maximum population required to 130,000 versus 120,000 in order to enter into an agreement under this provision.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

05-08-09 G Sent to the Governor

HB 771

Howard, Donna

Relating to sanctions available for certain academically unacceptable campuses.

General Remarks:

TSTA is working with Rep. Donna Howard on this bill dealing with campus intervention teams assigned to failing schools. If a campus intervention team is ordered by the commissioner of education, no further sanctions may be issued until an on-site evaluation is completed, recommendations have been made, financial assistance has been provided by the state, and two school years have been completed under the intervention team's oversight.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-19-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 772

Howard, Donna Davis, Wendy

Relating to Internet broadcasts of open meetings held by the State Board of Education.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Requires the SBOE broadcast meetings live via video and audio over the internet.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-08-09 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Education

HB 813

Swinford

Relating to eligibility for the small and mid-sized adjustment under the public school finance system.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Provides that if the basic allotment for certain small and mid-sized districts is repealed, those districts may not get an increase in the amount of state and local funds to which a school district would be entitled under Subsection (b) which allows for the amount of state and local revenue per student in weighted average daily attendance for the maintenance and operations of the district to which the district would have been entitled for the 2006-2007 school year under this chapter, as it existed on January 1, 2006, or, if the district would have been subject to Chapter 41, as that chapter existed on January 1, 2006, the amount to which the district would have been entitled under that chapter, based on the funding elements in effect for the 2005-2006 school year, if the district imposed a maintenance and operations tax at the rate adopted by the district for the 2005 tax year.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

04-14-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 828

Hochberg

Relating to a grant available to school districts to provide services to students with disabilities.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Provides for a grant program whereby the commissioner of education shall make grants available to districts to assist in covering the cost of educating students with disabilities. Districts may be eligible for grant money if it can show that it does not receive sufficient state or federal funds to cover the costs associated with providing special education services to students with disabilities. Costs of training personnel are to be included.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

03-24-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education

HB 829

Hochberg

Relating to the jurisdiction of the commissioner of education to hear appeals arising under the school laws of this state.

Position:

Support

General Remarks:

Clarifies existing law to define "school laws of this state" in context of authority of commissioner of education to hear appeals. Commissioner may only hear appeals under Title 1 and not laws that simply reference or for which Title 1 requires compliance.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Support)

Bill History:

05-06-09 S Received in the Senate - Referred to Senate Education

HB 837

Marquez

Relating to the deadline for a school district to file a complaint concerning a student who fails to attend school without excuse.

General Remarks:

Changes number of days for a district to file a complaint against a student for unexcused absences from 10 school days to 14 school days from the student's 10th absence.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed

Bill History:

02-23-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education

HB 850

Eissler

Relating to repeal on a periodic basis of the provisions of Titles 1 and 2 of the Education Code to provide for legislative review of the primary state statutes governing public education.

Position:

Neutral

General Remarks:

Provides for the sunset of chapters in the Texas Education code by repealing certain chapters by certain dates in order that the legislature review the entire chapter in order to determine if said chapter should be continued or modified or repealed.

Track Name(s):

Public Ed(Neutral)

Bill History:

03-10-09 H Committee action pending House Public Education