TX
Texas House Bill HB2390

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2390

Caption

Relating to authorizing school districts to suspend classes on primary and general election days and requiring the commissioner of education to adjust funding for certain related absences.

Impact

The bill directly impacts existing sections of the Education Code, particularly in how it allows school districts to manage their academic calendar in relation to state elections. Additionally, it requires the commissioner of education to adjust funding accordingly for districts that have higher absenteeism on the day preceding an election due to class suspensions. This adjustment aims to mitigate any financial penalties that may arise from increased absences that are anticipated as a result of the day off for elections.

Summary

House Bill 2390 proposes to authorize school districts in Texas to suspend classes on primary and general election days. The bill aims to enhance voter participation by allowing students and their families more flexibility to engage in the election process without the conflict of school obligations. To implement this, school districts intending to suspend classes must notify the commissioner of education by the first day of instruction in the academic year of the elections. This notification ensures proper planning and communication within the school system regarding polling activities and parent engagement.

Contention

While the intent of HB 2390 seeks to bolster civic engagement, there may be potential points of contention regarding the operational challenges for school districts. Critics could argue that suspending classes on election days might disrupt the educational process, leading to gaps in instruction. Furthermore, there could be concerns raised about the financial implications of altering the school calendar, particularly if adverse attendance patterns emerge from this policy shift. Education advocates might voice the need for a balanced approach that considers both the importance of voting and the continuity of education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2534

Relating to requiring public schools to designate certain uniform election dates as staff development days.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB38

Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB5092

Relating to formation, funding, and support of and the applicability of certain laws to charter schools.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.