Bill Text: TX SB503 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Relating to the establishment of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Council to study and make recommendations concerning expanded learning opportunities for public school students.

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)

Status: (Passed) 2013-06-14 - Effective immediately [SB503 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-SB503-Enrolled.html

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S.B. No. 503

AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the Expanded Learning
Opportunities Council to study and make recommendations concerning
expanded learning opportunities for public school students.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 33, Education Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter G to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES COUNCIL
Sec. 33.251. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "council" means
the Expanded Learning Opportunities Council.
Sec. 33.252. EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES.
(a) Expanded learning opportunities may be provided during:
(1) an extended school day;
(2) an extended school year; or
(3) structured learning programs outside of the
regular school day, including before- and after-school programs and
summer programs.
(b) Expanded learning opportunities may be provided by
offering:
(1) rigorous coursework;
(2) mentoring;
(3) tutoring;
(4) physical activity;
(5) academic support; or
(6) educational enrichment in one or more subjects,
including fine arts, civic engagement, science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics.
Sec. 33.253. ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSES. (a) The Expanded
Learning Opportunities Council is established to:
(1) study issues concerning expanded learning
opportunities for this state's public school students, including:
(A) issues related to creating safe places for
children outside of the regular school day, improving the academic
success of students who participate in expanded learning
opportunities programs, and assisting working families; and
(B) other issues prescribed under Section
33.258; and
(2) make recommendations as provided by Section 33.259
to address issues studied under this subchapter.
(b) In conducting studies under this subchapter, the
council shall focus on innovative, hands-on learning approaches
that complement rather than replicate the regular school
curriculum.
Sec. 33.254. SUNSET PROVISION. The council is subject to
Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued
in existence as provided by that chapter, the council is abolished
and this subchapter expires September 1, 2017.
Sec. 33.255. COMPOSITION. The council is composed of 13
members appointed by the commissioner as follows:
(1) two members of the public, including one
representing the business community and one parent of a public
school student participating in an expanded learning opportunities
program in this state;
(2) two members who are involved in research-based
expanded learning opportunities efforts in this state so that at
least one is involved in efforts to extend the school day or school
year and at least one is involved in efforts to provide out of
school time before or after the regular school day or during the
period in which school is recessed for the summer;
(3) one member representing law enforcement;
(4) one member representing the agency;
(5) one member who is an educator, other than a
superintendent, at the elementary school level;
(6) one member who is an educator, other than a
superintendent, at the middle or junior high school level;
(7) one member who is an educator, other than a
superintendent, at the high school level;
(8) one member who is a public school superintendent;
(9) one member representing a foundation that invests
in expanded learning opportunities;
(10) one member representing a nonprofit organization
that provides programs concerning good nutrition and prevention of
or intervention to address childhood obesity; and
(11) one member who is a provider representing summer
camps.
Sec. 33.256. MEETINGS. (a) The council shall meet in
person at least three times each year and may hold additional
meetings by conference call if necessary.
(b) Section 551.125, Government Code, applies to a meeting
held by conference call under this section, except that Section
551.125(b), Government Code, does not apply.
Sec. 33.257. COMPENSATION. A member of the council may not
receive compensation for service on the council.
Sec. 33.258. POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The council shall:
(1) study issues related to expanded learning
opportunities for public school students;
(2) study current research and best practices related
to meaningful expanded learning opportunities;
(3) analyze the availability of and unmet needs for
state and local programs for expanded learning opportunities for
public school students;
(4) analyze opportunities to create incentives for
businesses to support expanded learning opportunities programs for
public school students;
(5) analyze opportunities to maximize charitable
support for public and private partnerships for expanded learning
opportunities programs for public school students;
(6) analyze opportunities to promote science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics in expanded learning
opportunities programs for public school students;
(7) study the future workforce needs of this state's
businesses and other employers; and
(8) perform other duties consistent with this
subchapter.
(b) In carrying out its powers and duties under this
section, the council may request reports and other information
relating to expanded learning opportunities and students in
expanded learning opportunities programs from the Texas Education
Agency and any other state agency.
Sec. 33.259. STATEWIDE EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
PLAN; REPORT. (a) The council shall develop a comprehensive
statewide action plan for the improvement of expanded learning
opportunities for public school students in this state, including a
timeline for implementation of the plan.
(b) The council shall submit to both houses of the
legislature, the governor, and the agency on or before November 1 of
each even-numbered year a written report concerning:
(1) the status of the development or implementation of
the council's statewide action plan, as applicable;
(2) any action taken to further development or
implementation of the plan;
(3) any area that needs improvement in implementing
the plan;
(4) any recommended change to the plan; and
(5) programs and services that address expanded
learning opportunities outside of the regular school day.
Sec. 33.260. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The agency may
accept on behalf of the council a gift, grant, or donation from any
source to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.
SECTION 2. (a) The Expanded Learning Opportunities
Council shall submit the initial report required under Subchapter
G, Chapter 33, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than
November 1, 2014.
(b) Not later than December 31, 2013, the commissioner of
education shall appoint the members of the Expanded Learning
Opportunities Council under Subchapter G, Chapter 33, Education
Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. 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, 2013.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 503 passed the Senate on
April 18, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that
the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 22, 2013, by the
following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 503 passed the House, with
amendment, on May 17, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 125,
Nays 9, two present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor