Bill Text: TX SB2202 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the authority of school districts and school district students to participate in University Interscholastic League competitions.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-03-29 - Referred to Education [SB2202 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-SB2202-Introduced.html

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85R5271 KKA-D
By: Lucio S.B. No. 2202

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of school districts and school district
students to participate in University Interscholastic League
competitions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.0834 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.0834. SCHOOL BUS SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE AS CONDITION
OF PARTICIPATION IN UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE
COMPETITIONS. (a) In order to ensure the safety of all students,
including those who participate in off-campus activities, it is the
public policy of this state to take every measure possible to
protect the lives and well-being of students while being
transported to and from school and extracurricular activities.
(b) Unless a school district obtains a waiver from the
agency as provided by Subsection (c), the University
Interscholastic League may not permit a school district or the
school district's students to participate in a competition
sponsored by the league unless the school district is in compliance
with the school bus seat belt requirements imposed by Section
547.701(e), Transportation Code.
(c) The agency may provide a waiver for purposes of
Subsection (b) if a school district demonstrates to the agency's
satisfaction that the district:
(1) is unable to comply with the school bus seat belt
requirements because of financial hardship; and
(2) has pursued all potential sources of funding
available to assist a school district with the cost of complying,
including private donations and assistance available from the
agency as a result of state appropriations.
(d) The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement
this section.
(e) Section 547.701(f), Transportation Code, does not
affect the requirement imposed under this section.
SECTION 2. Section 33.0834, Education Code, as added by
this Act, applies beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.