Texas House Bill HB4328

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/6/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/13/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Interagency Literacy Council for the study, promotion, and enhancement of literacy in this state.

Impact

The bill mandates the Council to develop a statewide action plan for improving literacy, which includes identifying barriers and evidence-based best practices. The council will meet regularly and is encouraged to invite stakeholders to participate, ensuring that the perspectives of various community members are considered in the literacy improvement efforts. Additionally, it allows for the acceptance of gifts, grants, and donations to fund literacy initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 4328 establishes the Interagency Literacy Council in Texas, aiming to enhance the study, promotion, and improvement of literacy across the state. The Council will consist of nine members, including representatives from various state educational agencies and six public members who are leaders in literacy promotion. The primary goal is to create a comprehensive statewide literacy action plan and coordinate existing literacy services provided by state agencies.

Contention

While the bill seeks to establish an organized framework for literacy improvement, some opposition may arise regarding the potential bureaucratic nature of the council and skepticism about its effectiveness. Critics could argue that simply creating a council does not guarantee actionable results or address the root causes of literacy issues, emphasizing the need for direct funding and focused interventions in literacy education.