84R2485 KJE-D
By: Campbell S.B. No. 665
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to inclusion of a course on the founding principles of the
United States in the curriculum requirements for public high school
students and the posting of the founding documents of the United
States in public school buildings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 28.025, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (b-22) to read as follows:
(b-22) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules
requiring students to successfully complete a semester course on
the founding principles of the United States as part of a district's
social studies curriculum. The course must focus on the principles
underlying the United States form of government, the Declaration of
Independence, the United States Constitution, the Federalist
Papers, and the writings of the Founding Fathers of the United
States.
SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 11, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 11.175 to read as follows:
Sec. 11.175. POSTING OF FOUNDING DOCUMENTS. The board of
trustees of an independent school district shall permit and
encourage the posting in a district classroom or school building of
a copy of the founding documents of the United States, including the
Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the
Federalist Papers, and the writings of the Founding Fathers of the
United States.
SECTION 3. Section 28.025(b-22), Education Code, as added
by 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.