84R5153 KJE-D
By: Fallon H.B. No. 1139
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to inclusion of a civics test in the graduation
requirements for public high school students.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 28.025(c), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(c) A person may receive a diploma if the person is eligible
for a diploma under Section 28.0251. In other cases, a student may
graduate and receive a diploma only if:
(1) the student successfully completes the curriculum
requirements identified by the State Board of Education under
Subsection (a) and complies with Sections 28.0259 and [Section]
39.025; or
(2) the student successfully completes an
individualized education program developed under Section 29.005.
SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 28.0259 to read as follows:
Sec. 28.0259. CIVICS TEST. (a) The commissioner shall
adopt rules requiring a student in the foundation high school
program under Section 28.025 to be administered a civics test. A
student may not receive a high school diploma until the student has
performed satisfactorily on the civics test.
(b) The civics test is composed of all or a portion of the
questions on the civics test administered by the United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services as part of the naturalization
process under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
Section 1101 et seq.).
(c) The commissioner by rule shall determine:
(1) the length and format of the test;
(2) the high school grade level or levels at which the
test may be taken; and
(3) the score that indicates satisfactory
performance.
SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with students who
enter the ninth grade during the 2015-2016 school year.
SECTION 4. 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, 2015.