Text of TX HB 1017 (2007)

80R5180 KKA-F By: Zedler H.B. No. 1017 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to student clubs in the public schools. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 33.088 to read as follows: Sec. 33.088. STUDENT CLUBS. (a) In this section: (1) "Parent" includes a guardian or other person standing in parental relation. (2) "Student club" means any student organization sponsored or sanctioned by a school district that meets during noninstructional time. (b) A school district shall require written parental consent as a condition of a student's participation in a student club. (c) A school district shall seek parental consent under this section by providing a written form to a parent that includes the following information regarding the student club in which the student wishes to participate: (1) the name of the club; (2) the most appropriate of the following categories that could be used to characterize the nature of the club's activities: (A) athletics; (B) business or economics; (C) agriculture; (D) art, music, or performance; (E) religion; (F) science; (G) computer science and technology; (H) electronic games or other games; or (I) another activity; (3) the maximum number of students anticipated to participate in the club; (4) the dates on which the club's activities are anticipated to begin and end; (5) a tentative schedule of the club's activities, with dates, times, and locations specified, if possible; (6) identification of student personal expenses associated with the club, if any; (7) the name of the school district employee responsible for overseeing the club; and (8) any additional information determined appropriate by the school district. (d) A school district may not permit a student club to: (1) encourage criminal or delinquent conduct; (2) promote bigotry; or (3) engage in activity involving human sexuality. (e) For purposes of Subsection (d): (1) activity encouraging criminal or delinquent conduct includes action or advocacy of imminent action that violates any law, but does not include discussion concerning modification of law or action taken through lawfully established channels to achieve a change in law; (2) activity promoting bigotry includes action or advocacy of imminent action involving the harassment or denigration of a person, including harassment or denigration based on race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or sexual preference; and (3) activity involving human sexuality includes: (A) presenting information in violation of laws or school district policies regarding human sexuality instruction; and (B) advocating or engaging in sexual activity that occurs outside of legally recognized marriage or that is prohibited by state law. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. 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, 2007.