Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

_______________________ E DUCATION/Public
Touch Those Toes - S.B. 19
by Senator Nelson, et al.
House Sponsors: Representative Dunnam, et al.
DUCATION/Public
77 th Texas Legislature
Authorizes the State Board of Education to require by rule one-half hour of daily physical activity as part of
the physical education curriculum or through structured activity during recess.
Requires each district to create a local health education advisory council whose members include a
majority of district parents, to ensure local values are included in health education curriculum.
Replaces Human Sexuality Instruction with a program of broad-based health instruction. Authorizes the
advisory council to recommend the length of instruction of health education with appropriate grade-level
curriculum that may include a coordinated program to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and
diabetes, as well as human sexuality instruction.
School Days, School Days - S.B. 108
by Senator Lucio, et al.
House Sponsor: Representative Dutton
Prohibits a school district from holding the first day of school prior to the week that includes August 21.
Allows districts to apply for a waiver after publishing notice 60 days before filing, holding a hearing, and
including a summary of public comments and authorizes the commissioner of education to issue waivers.
Financial Accountability - S.B. 218
by Senator Shapiro
House Sponsor: Representative Smith
Requires the commissioner of education and the comptroller of public accounts to develop and implement a
financial accountability system for school districts.
Requires school districts to complete the financial management report and hold hearings for public
comment.
Relating to Assessment of Academic Skills of LEP Students - S.B. 676
by Senator Zaffirini, et al.
House Sponsor: Representative Oliveira
Current law requires students to take either TAAS or Spanish TAAS in grades three through eight. Some
students in all grades come to school in Texas without any education. This bill provides more school time
for some students, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), before taking TAAS.
Senate Research Center 90