Texas House Bill HB2972

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the exemption of the absence from school of a student with a chronic or debilitating illness or condition from the calculation of student attendance for purposes of school accountability.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly influence how student attendance is measured and reported, particularly for those with serious health concerns. School districts would need to establish a process to apply for exemptions based on physician-provided documentation confirming the students' health status. This could lead to more accurate representations of school performance and accountability, ensuring that schools are not unduly punished for the attendance issues caused by legitimate health-related absences.

Summary

House Bill 2972 aims to amend the Texas Education Code to allow for the exemption of absences from school due to chronic or debilitating illnesses from the calculation of student attendance. The bill recognizes that students suffering from such conditions may miss school days to receive treatment or manage their health, which can adversely affect their schools' accountability ratings. By providing a framework for school districts to request an exemption, the bill intends to ensure that these students are not penalized for attending to their health needs.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 2972 reflect significant concern regarding the balance between maintaining robust school accountability and accommodating students’ health needs. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for fostering a supportive educational environment for students with chronic illnesses, while opponents may voice concerns over the potential for misapplication or abuse of exemption requests. The effectiveness of the documentation requirements and the transparency of the exemption process may also be areas for contention in legislative discussions.