84R7903 JSL-F By: Blanco H.B. No. 2482 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the validity, reliability, and design of certain state-adopted or state-developed assessment instruments for public school students. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 39.023, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsections (a-11) and (a-12) to read as follows: (a-11) Subject to available appropriations, before an assessment instrument adopted or developed under Subsection (a) may be administered under that subsection, the assessment instrument must, on the basis of empirical evidence, be determined to be valid and reliable by a research institution that: (1) has nationally recognized expertise in determining validity and reliability of assessment instruments; and (2) is independent of the agency and of any other entity that developed the assessment instrument. (a-12) The agency shall ensure that an assessment instrument adopted or developed under Subsection (a) is designed only to assess student understanding of the essential knowledge and skills identified by the State Board of Education under Section 28.002 of the subject and for the grade level for which the assessment instrument is administered. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2015-2016 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, 2015.