S.B. No. 143




AN ACT
relating to the extension of certain deadlines for certain professionals serving on active duty in the military. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 55, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 55.003 to read as follows: Sec. 55.003. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN DEADLINES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL. A person who holds a license, is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, and is ordered to active duty by proper authority is entitled to an additional amount of time, equal to the total number of years or parts of years that the person serves on active duty, to complete: (1) any continuing education requirements; and (2) any other requirement related to the renewal of the person's license. SECTION 2. Subsection (b), Section 21.054, Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Continuing education for principals must be based on an individual assessment of the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies necessary to perform successfully as a principal, as identified in Section 21.046. An individualized professional growth plan shall be developed as a result of the assessment and shall be used exclusively for professional growth purposes. The assessment results and the growth plan may only be released with the approval of the principal assessed. Except as provided by Section 21.059, each [Each] certified principal shall participate in the assessment process and professional growth activities at least once every five years. SECTION 3. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.059 to read as follows: Sec. 21.059. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN DEADLINES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL. A person who holds a certificate or permit under this subchapter who is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and who is ordered to active duty by proper authority is entitled to an additional amount of time, equal to the total number of years or parts of years that the educator serves on active duty, to complete: (1) any continuing education requirements; and (2) any requirements relating to renewal or extension of the person's certificate or permit. SECTION 4. (a) Section 55.003, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, applies to a person who holds a license, as defined by Section 55.001, Occupations Code, and is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and who is ordered to report for active duty as a member of the state military forces or as a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States on or after September 1, 2004. (b) Section 21.059, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies to a person who holds a certificate or permit under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, and is a member of the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and who is ordered to report for active duty beginning on or after September 1, 2004. SECTION 5. 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, 2005.
______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 143 passed the Senate on March 17, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 143 passed the House on May 20, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 139, Nays 0, two present not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Governor