Texas Senate Bill SB419

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/24/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/7/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/17/11
• Report Pass: 3/24/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 4/7/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/11/11
• Report Pass: 5/16/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to prohibiting state funding to public junior colleges for physical education courses offered for joint high school and junior college credit.

Impact

The implementation of SB419 has the potential to significantly impact public junior colleges and their funding mechanisms, particularly with regard to how physical education credits are managed. By limiting state funding for certain courses, it may place financial strain on junior colleges health or sports programs that rely on these funds for operational support. The law would take effect from the fall semester of 2011, thus setting a timeline for institutions to adjust their course offerings and funding strategies in response to the new regulation.

Summary

Senate Bill 419 aims to amend the Education Code by prohibiting state funding for public junior colleges offering physical education courses for joint high school and junior college credit. This legislative move is designed to alter the financial structure regarding how physical education courses are integrated into joint credit programs, potentially affecting the overall educational framework in Texas. The bill stipulates that contact hours from such joint courses will contribute to the funding calculations for junior colleges, provided that students receive course credit applicable to physical education requirements defined by state law.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding this bill, especially regarding its implications on access to physical education for high school students. Critics could argue that limiting state funding undercuts the availability of joint credit programs, which can provide essential physical education opportunities for students. This move might be perceived as part of a broader trend of tightening educational resources, particularly in physical education, impacting students' overall fitness and health education. Discussions around this bill may reflect differing views on the role of state funding in supporting comprehensive educational curricula at junior colleges.