By: Bohac, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Nichols) H.B. No. 308
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 9, 2013;
May 9, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on
Education; May 14, 2013, reported favorably by the following vote:
Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 14, 2013, sent to printer.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a school district's recognition of and education
regarding traditional winter celebrations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.920 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.920. WINTER CELEBRATIONS. (a) A school district
may educate students about the history of traditional winter
celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer
traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including:
(1) "Merry Christmas";
(2) "Happy Hanukkah"; and
(3) "happy holidays."
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a school district
may display on school property scenes or symbols associated with
traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas
image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display
includes a scene or symbol of:
(1) more than one religion; or
(2) one religion and at least one secular scene or
symbol.
(c) A display relating to a traditional winter celebration
may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular
religious belief.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014
school year.
SECTION 3. 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, 2013.
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