81R4458 PAM-D
By: Flores H.B. No. 624
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to state funding for school districts for transportation
of students who would be subject to hazardous traffic conditions
while walking.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 42.155(d), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(d) A district or county may apply for and on approval of the
commissioner receive an [additional] amount in addition to [of up
to 10 percent of] its regular transportation allotment to be used
for the transportation of children living within two miles of the
school they attend who would be subject to hazardous traffic
conditions if they walked to school. The commissioner shall
determine the amount of the additional allotment received under
this subsection. Each board of trustees shall adopt a policy that
defines [provide to the commissioner the definition of] hazardous
traffic conditions applicable to that district and identifies
[shall identify] the specific hazardous traffic areas for which the
allocation is requested. A hazardous traffic condition includes a
condition [exists] where no sidewalk or walkway is provided and
children must walk along or cross a freeway or expressway, an
underpass, an overpass or a bridge, an uncontrolled major traffic
artery, an industrial or commercial area, or another comparable
condition. Each board of trustees shall provide a copy of the
policy adopted under this subsection to the commissioner and
annually update or confirm that policy, as provided by the
commissioner, to maintain eligibility for an additional allotment
under this subsection. A determination by the commissioner under
this subsection is final and may not be appealed.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2009-2010
school year.
SECTION 3. 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.