H.B. No. 192
AN ACT
relating to the purposes for which a student's absence from school
must be excused.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 25.087, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-3) to read as
follows:
(b) A school district shall excuse a student from attending
school for:
(1) the following purposes, including travel for those
purposes:
(A) observing religious holy days; [or]
(B) attending a required court appearance;
(C) appearing at a governmental office to
complete paperwork required in connection with the student's
application for United States citizenship; or
(D) taking part in a United States naturalization
oath ceremony; or
(2) a temporary absence resulting from health care
professionals if that student commences classes or returns to
school on the same day of the appointment.
(b-3) A temporary absence for purposes of Subsection (b)(2)
includes the temporary absence of a student diagnosed with autism
spectrum disorder on the day of the student's appointment with a
health care practitioner, as described by Section 1355.015(b),
Insurance Code, to receive a generally recognized service for
persons with autism spectrum disorder, including applied
behavioral analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 192 was passed by the House on May 7,
2009, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 3, 1 present, not
voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
No. 192 on May 29, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 139, Nays 0, 1
present, not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 192 was passed by the Senate, with
amendments, on May 25, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays
0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor