As a new school year approaches, both administrators and students will find themselves subject to new laws enacted by the Legislature and signed by the Governor this summer. Some of these new laws have been given more publicity and discussion than others. But all will have an impact on how schools will be run in the future. Here is a sampling of these new laws which will be in effect for the 2007-2008 school year.

-High schools will be required to conduct random test for anabolic steroid use on a significant number of students competing in University Interscholastic League sports. It also requires that the schools get a signed statement from the parents acknowledging that the student may be subject to random drug testing for steroids. (SB 8)

-Students enrolled in advanced courses are exempt from the requirement that a student be suspended from participation in extracurricular activities for receiving an unsatisfactory grade. (SB 1517)

-A school district will be required to adopt and implement a policy that provides a public forum for student expression of religious viewpoints at school events. The district will be prohibited from discrimination against a student based on expressed religious viewpoints. (HB 3678)

-School districts will be required to supply Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) on all campuses. It also requires that school nurses, coaches, p.e. instructors, marching band directors, and cheerleading coaches undergo training for use of the AED. (SB 7)

-The Texas Education Agency will have to develop and make available to school districts a list of resources for internet safety to help students learn about the dangers of allowing personal information on the internet. (HB 3171)

-The commissioner of education will be allowed to establish a pilot project in selected school districts for language immersion programs and dual language education programs. (HB 2814)

-It is an offense to use, exhibit, or threaten to exhibit a firearm in a manner intended to cause alarm or personal injury to another or damage school property. In addition the law expands the places for which such conduct is prohibited to include any of the school's property, parking areas and school buses. (HB 2112)

-Intensive math intervention programs must now be offered to students who are not performing at grade level in this subject. It is designed for schools with a greater than average at-risk population. (HB 2504)

-The Pledge of Allegiance to the State flag shall include the phrase "one state under God." (HB 1034)

-The Education Code is amended to clarify that immunization against the human papilloma virus is not required for admission to any elementary or secondary school. (HB 1098)

There are also some new laws relating to the safety and operation of school buses:

-All school buses purchased after 2010 are required to be equipped with three-point seat belts for each passenger, including the bus operator. However, the law will not take effect unless the Legislature appropriates money to reimburse the school districts for their expenses to install the seat belts. So far no funds have been appropriated by the legislature. (HB 323)

-A parent will be allowed to designate a child care facility or the residence of a grandparent as a pick-up/drop-off spot on an approved school bus route. (SB 1713)

-A person may not operate a school bus unless his driving record is acceptable according to the minimum standards of the school district. A driving record is not acceptable if there is a conviction for alcohol-related offenses within the ten year period preceding the date of a check of the driving record. A school bus cannot be operated if the door is opened, or a passenger is standing or sitting on the floor of the bus. (HB 3190)