82S10510 PAM-D By: Harper-Brown H.B. No. 76 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the bilingual education and special language programs offered in public schools. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 29.052, Education Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (3) to read as follows: (3) "Special language program" includes an English language immersion program and a program of instruction in English as a second language. SECTION 2. Section 29.055(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A bilingual education program established by a school district shall be a full-time program of dual-language instruction that provides for learning basic skills in the primary language of the students enrolled in the program and for carefully structured and sequenced mastery of English language skills. An English language immersion program established by a school district shall be a program of instruction provided primarily in English. A program of instruction in English as a second language established by a school district shall be a program of intensive instruction in English from teachers trained in recognizing and dealing with language differences. SECTION 3. Sections 29.053(d) and 29.054, Education Code, are repealed. SECTION 4. This Act applies beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. 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 on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.