Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB781

Filed

11/12/24

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to certain public school instructional requirements and prohibitions and the incorporation of certain instructional activities as part of student coursework.

Impact

The bill is poised to reshape how civic education is integrated into Texas's public school system. By introducing mandatory civics training for educators and establishing broader guidelines for classroom discussions, it seeks to create a more informed student body capable of understanding and engaging in democratic processes. The implementation of these requirements could lead to significant changes in curriculum and teaching methods, promoting a more active civic participation among students. Schools will be expected to comply with these new standards starting in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Summary

House Bill 781 aims to modify certain instructional requirements and prohibitions related to public education in Texas. The legislation emphasizes the importance of civics education by mandating that the State Board of Education develop training programs for educators. These programs are intended to enhance teachers' abilities to deliver civic knowledge and engage students in governmental processes. Additionally, the bill seeks to incorporate discussions about current events into classroom learning while ensuring that such discussions remain fact-based and free from political bias.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics argue that the provisions regarding political bias could place undue restrictions on educators' ability to discuss critical social issues. Concerns have been raised that the definitions and guidelines could inadvertently force teachers to avoid important discussions on social justice and other controversial topics, thus limiting the scope of education. Supporters, on the other hand, assert that the bill will safeguard educational environments from political indoctrination, promoting an objective approach to teaching sensitive subjects.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
- Section: 0022

Chapter 21. Educators
- Section: 4555

Chapter 22. School District Employees And Volunteers
- Section: 05125

Chapter 31. Instructional Materials And Technology
- Section: 0712

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB97

Relating to certain public school instructional requirements and prohibitions and the incorporation of certain instructional activities as part of student coursework.

TX HB4252

Relating to certain public school instructional requirements and prohibitions.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB1804

Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX SB1567

Relating to requiring public schools to maintain physical copies of certain instructional materials.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB2031

Relating to the assessment of public school students and the provision of accelerated instruction to students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.