84R3369 KKA-D
By: Allen H.B. No. 568
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a review by the commissioner of education of state law
regarding student suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary
action and the implementation of that law by school districts.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. REVIEW. (a) The commissioner of education shall
conduct a review of the student disciplinary provisions in Chapter
37, Education Code, the rules adopted under those provisions, and
the implementation of those provisions and rules by school
districts in this state.
(b) In conducting the review, the commissioner of education
shall focus attention on provisions that permit a school district
to exercise discretion in determining whether to suspend a student,
place a student in a disciplinary alternative education program, or
expel a student.
(c) The commissioner of education shall provide opportunity
for public comment regarding the review.
SECTION 2. DEVELOPMENT OF PLAN AND RECOMMENDATIONS. (a)
After conducting the review and receiving public comment, the
commissioner of education shall develop a proposed plan for
reducing the number of discretionary disciplinary actions taken by
school districts in this state, including recommendations for any
necessary changes to state law to facilitate that goal.
(b) The commissioner of education shall post the proposed
plan and any recommendations for changes to state law on the Texas
Education Agency's Internet website and provide an additional
period for public comment before finalizing the plan and any
recommendations.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2016, the
commissioner of education shall submit a report to the governor,
lieutenant governor, and members of the legislature containing the
results of the review and the plan and any recommendations
developed as a result of the review.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2017.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2015.