Texas House Bill HB359

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

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.

Impact

With this legislation, school districts are mandated to develop specific criteria determining the number of days a student may receive an excused absence for visiting a parent in the military. The introduction of these guidelines represents a shift towards accommodating the needs of military families within the public education system, offering students a chance to cope with the challenges associated with parental deployments. This aligns educational policy with contemporary family dynamics, particularly for those in the armed forces.

Summary

House Bill 359 seeks to amend the Texas Education Code to allow for excused absences from public school for students visiting a parent who has been or will be deployed to a combat zone. Specifically, the bill targets the policy on student absences by adding criteria under which a school may excuse a student for spending time with a military parent. This change is crucial in recognizing the emotional and familial impact of military deployment on students and aims to provide them with the opportunity to maintain connections with their deployed parents.

Contention

While the bill aims to support students from military families, it may evoke differing opinions regarding the administrative burden it places on local school districts to implement the necessary guidelines for excused absences. Concerns may arise about potential misuse or disparities in how districts choose to enforce these exceptions. Additionally, the broader implications of excusing absences for non-academic purposes could lead to debates about the balance between educational attendance requirements and family well-being for children of military personnel.