Senate backs bill on homeless pupils

The Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would authorize school districts to give consent for medical care for homeless students.

The Senate's 34-0 vote sent Senate Bill 340 by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, to the House for further action.

The bill would allow a school district's homeless services liaison to give consent for a student under age 18 who is considered homeless under federal law and not living with a parent or guardian or in state custody.

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It would change state law that requires such consent to come from a parent or guardian except under certain circumstances, such as when the child is pregnant or has been emancipated by a court.

-- Michael R. Wickline

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