83R6124 JSL-D
By: Van de Putte S.B. No. 1126
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to establishing the Texas State Seal of Bilingualism and
Biliteracy for recognition of high school graduates who attain a
high level of proficiency in both English and another language.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 28.0256 to read as follows:
Sec. 28.0256. TEXAS STATE SEAL OF BILINGUALISM AND
BILITERACY. (a) In this section, "seal" means the Texas State Seal
of Bilingualism and Biliteracy established under Subsection (b).
(b) The agency shall establish a seal to recognize high
school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in
comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing in both English and a
language other than English.
(c) The agency shall:
(1) determine minimum requirements for earning the
seal; and
(2) prepare and deliver to a participating school
district an insignia that can be affixed or stamped on the diploma
or transcript of a student who has satisfied requirements for
earning the seal.
(d) The board of trustees of a school district may choose
whether to offer the seal to students who satisfy the requirements
for earning the seal as determined by the agency.
(e) Each school district that offers the seal to an eligible
student shall:
(1) maintain appropriate records to identify students
who have earned the seal; and
(2) affix the seal's insignia to the diploma or
transcript of each student who has satisfied requirements for
earning the seal.
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.