BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 735 89R5984 GP-D By: Menndez Education K-16 4/14/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Now more than ever, the legislature is aware of the importance of supporting our Jewish communities through understanding and education. In addition to conflict overseas, the nation has an alarming Holocaust denial and distortion rate. In Texas, reports have shown an estimated 63 percent of respondents did not know that six million Jews died in the Holocaust. In response to the experiences of our Jewish communities in 2019, Holocaust Remembrance Week (HRW) was established for students enrolled in Texas public schools. In 2021 the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, & Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) was established and instructed to provide educational advising for public institutions regarding HRW. Last session, the legislature passed a bill to conduct a study in which an estimated 50 percent of public school districts responded to outline the extent of their understanding of the mandatory HRW policy, as well as the utilization and source of resources available for that purpose. The findings of the HRW survey revealed much needed reform in a few areas to support better Holocaust education. Awareness of HRW from school personnel was split into thirds: Very Aware, Somewhat Aware, and Not Aware, with suburban areas being the most aware. Awareness of materials and resources to support teaches dropped to 4 in 10 respondents being unaware, especially across campuses in towns and rural areas. Most respondents indicated wanting more lesson plans, materials, and professional development opportunities. These findings inform the work ahead as the legislature continues to refine and support Holocaust education in Texas. S.B. 735 codifies the recommendations from the 2024 HRW survey. It creates grants for age-appropriate curriculum development, including bilingual curricula, materials, and field trips. Silos are eliminated by requiring regional education service centers and Holocaust museums to collaborate. Moreover, regular school district reporting of HRW participation is required. Finally, it creates a pipeline of Holocaust competency by instituting an educator preparation pilot program, with at least half of those colleges in areas that reported low compliance with HRW. As proposed, S.B. 735 amends current law relating to Holocaust education and training provided to students enrolled at public schools and public institutions of higher education. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Historical Commission in SECTION 3 (Section 29.90721, Education Code) of this bill. Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in SECTION 4 (Section 61.0767, Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 8, Education Code, by adding Section 8.065, as follows: Sec. 8.065. COLLABORATION WITH HOLOCAUST MUSEUMS. Requires each regional education service center, on a regular basis, to collaborate with one or more of the Holocaust museums in this state to expand educator training and classroom education opportunities regarding Holocaust education. SECTION 2. Amends Section 29.9072, Education Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (d) and (e), as follows: (a) Redefines "Holocaust." (d) Requires each school district and open-enrollment charter school, not later than June 1 of each school year, to submit to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) a report regarding the Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction offered by the district or school for that school year under Section 29.9072 (Holocaust Remembrance Week). Requires that the report include the activities, lessons, and instructional materials used for the instruction. (e) Requires TEA, as soon as practicable after June 1 of each school year, to compile all reports submitted under Subsection (d) for the school year and submit the compiled information to each regional education service center and the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC). SECTION 3. Amends Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, by adding Section 29.90721, as follows: Sec. 29.90721. HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE WEEK GRANT PROGRAM. (a) Defines "advisory commission," "commission," and "Holocaust." (b) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC), in coordination with THGAAC, from money appropriated for purposes of this section, to establish and administer a grant program to provide grants to school districts and museums, centers, and other relevant organizations in this state to assist in the implementation of Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction under Section 29.9072. Authorizes THC to award a grant for certain purposes of Holocaust education initiatives. (c) Requires THC, in coordination with THGAAC, to adopt rules as necessary to establish and administer the grant program under this section. SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.0767, as follows: Sec. 61.0767. EDUCATOR PREPARATION PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE DELIVERY OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to establish a pilot program at institutions of higher education selected by THECB to train students enrolled in an educator preparation program to provide more effective instruction related to the history and remembrance of the Holocaust. Authorizes THECB to adopt rules as necessary to administer this section. (b) Requires an institution of higher education selected under this section to have an educator preparation program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) or be affiliated with a program approved by SBEC. (c) Requires at least 50 percent of the institutions of higher education selected by THECB to be located in an area or likely to graduate educators who will teach in a public school in an area where the applicable school district has demonstrated low participation in Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction. (d) Requires THECB to collaborate with THGAAC to establish minimum curriculum requirements, guidelines, and procedures necessary for the implementation of the pilot program. (e) Requires THECB to use any funds appropriated or otherwise made available for purposes of the pilot program and authorizes THECB to accept gifts, grants, and donations to fund the pilot program. (f) Requires that the pilot program operate for four full academic years. (g) Requires an institution of higher education selected for the pilot program to annually report to THECB in the manner prescribed by THECB data and information regarding the operation of the pilot program. (h) Requires that the report required by Subsection (g) contain, with respect to the preceding academic year, a description of the manner in which the selected institution complied with the purpose of the pilot program and any difficulties encountered in complying with that purpose, including timelines related to implementing the pilot program, data regarding the institution's students receiving instruction under the pilot program through an educator preparation program, information regarding any third-party entities or organizations the institution collaborates with to deliver instruction under the pilot program through an educator preparation program, and a survey of educator preparation program students and faculty who participated in the pilot program at the institution, including feedback regarding the results of the pilot program and information regarding the marketability and subsequent teaching careers of participating students. (i) Requires THECB to compile a biennial report based on the data and information received under Subsection (g) regarding the operation of the pilot program and the results of the survey of educator preparation program students and faculty who participated in the pilot program at each of the selected institutions during the preceding biennium. Requires THECB, not later than September 1 of each odd-numbered year, to deliver a copy of the report to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chair of each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over higher education. (j) Requires that the biennial report produced by THECB before September 1, 2029, include a recommendation regarding whether the pilot program should be continued, expanded, or terminated. (k) Requires THECB, before September 1, 2031, to conduct a final survey of educator preparation program students and faculty who participated in the pilot program at the selected institutions at any time during the operation of the program, including feedback regarding the results of the pilot program and information regarding the marketability and teaching careers of participating students. Requires THECB to publish the results of the survey on its Internet website. (l) Provides that the pilot program concludes and this section expires December 1, 2031. SECTION 5. Provides that Section 29.9072, Education Code, as amended by this Act, applies beginning with the 20252026 school year. SECTION 6. Requires THC, in coordination with THGAAC, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to establish the grant program required by Section 29.90721, Education Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 7. Requires THECB to select public institutions of higher education for the pilot program required under Section 61.0767, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than May 1, 2026. SECTION 8. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 735
89R5984 GP-D By: Menndez
Education K-16
4/14/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 735
89R5984 GP-D
By: Menndez
Education K-16
4/14/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Now more than ever, the legislature is aware of the importance of supporting our Jewish communities through understanding and education. In addition to conflict overseas, the nation has an alarming Holocaust denial and distortion rate. In Texas, reports have shown an estimated 63 percent of respondents did not know that six million Jews died in the Holocaust.
In response to the experiences of our Jewish communities in 2019, Holocaust Remembrance Week (HRW) was established for students enrolled in Texas public schools. In 2021 the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, & Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) was established and instructed to provide educational advising for public institutions regarding HRW. Last session, the legislature passed a bill to conduct a study in which an estimated 50 percent of public school districts responded to outline the extent of their understanding of the mandatory HRW policy, as well as the utilization and source of resources available for that purpose.
The findings of the HRW survey revealed much needed reform in a few areas to support better Holocaust education. Awareness of HRW from school personnel was split into thirds: Very Aware, Somewhat Aware, and Not Aware, with suburban areas being the most aware. Awareness of materials and resources to support teaches dropped to 4 in 10 respondents being unaware, especially across campuses in towns and rural areas. Most respondents indicated wanting more lesson plans, materials, and professional development opportunities. These findings inform the work ahead as the legislature continues to refine and support Holocaust education in Texas.
S.B. 735 codifies the recommendations from the 2024 HRW survey. It creates grants for age-appropriate curriculum development, including bilingual curricula, materials, and field trips. Silos are eliminated by requiring regional education service centers and Holocaust museums to collaborate. Moreover, regular school district reporting of HRW participation is required. Finally, it creates a pipeline of Holocaust competency by instituting an educator preparation pilot program, with at least half of those colleges in areas that reported low compliance with HRW.
As proposed, S.B. 735 amends current law relating to Holocaust education and training provided to students enrolled at public schools and public institutions of higher education.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Historical Commission in SECTION 3 (Section 29.90721, Education Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in SECTION 4 (Section 61.0767, Education Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 8, Education Code, by adding Section 8.065, as follows:
Sec. 8.065. COLLABORATION WITH HOLOCAUST MUSEUMS. Requires each regional education service center, on a regular basis, to collaborate with one or more of the Holocaust museums in this state to expand educator training and classroom education opportunities regarding Holocaust education.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 29.9072, Education Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (d) and (e), as follows:
(a) Redefines "Holocaust."
(d) Requires each school district and open-enrollment charter school, not later than June 1 of each school year, to submit to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) a report regarding the Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction offered by the district or school for that school year under Section 29.9072 (Holocaust Remembrance Week). Requires that the report include the activities, lessons, and instructional materials used for the instruction.
(e) Requires TEA, as soon as practicable after June 1 of each school year, to compile all reports submitted under Subsection (d) for the school year and submit the compiled information to each regional education service center and the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC).
SECTION 3. Amends Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, by adding Section 29.90721, as follows:
Sec. 29.90721. HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE WEEK GRANT PROGRAM. (a) Defines "advisory commission," "commission," and "Holocaust."
(b) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC), in coordination with THGAAC, from money appropriated for purposes of this section, to establish and administer a grant program to provide grants to school districts and museums, centers, and other relevant organizations in this state to assist in the implementation of Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction under Section 29.9072. Authorizes THC to award a grant for certain purposes of Holocaust education initiatives.
(c) Requires THC, in coordination with THGAAC, to adopt rules as necessary to establish and administer the grant program under this section.
SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.0767, as follows:
Sec. 61.0767. EDUCATOR PREPARATION PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE DELIVERY OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to establish a pilot program at institutions of higher education selected by THECB to train students enrolled in an educator preparation program to provide more effective instruction related to the history and remembrance of the Holocaust. Authorizes THECB to adopt rules as necessary to administer this section.
(b) Requires an institution of higher education selected under this section to have an educator preparation program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) or be affiliated with a program approved by SBEC.
(c) Requires at least 50 percent of the institutions of higher education selected by THECB to be located in an area or likely to graduate educators who will teach in a public school in an area where the applicable school district has demonstrated low participation in Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction.
(d) Requires THECB to collaborate with THGAAC to establish minimum curriculum requirements, guidelines, and procedures necessary for the implementation of the pilot program.
(e) Requires THECB to use any funds appropriated or otherwise made available for purposes of the pilot program and authorizes THECB to accept gifts, grants, and donations to fund the pilot program.
(f) Requires that the pilot program operate for four full academic years.
(g) Requires an institution of higher education selected for the pilot program to annually report to THECB in the manner prescribed by THECB data and information regarding the operation of the pilot program.
(h) Requires that the report required by Subsection (g) contain, with respect to the preceding academic year, a description of the manner in which the selected institution complied with the purpose of the pilot program and any difficulties encountered in complying with that purpose, including timelines related to implementing the pilot program, data regarding the institution's students receiving instruction under the pilot program through an educator preparation program, information regarding any third-party entities or organizations the institution collaborates with to deliver instruction under the pilot program through an educator preparation program, and a survey of educator preparation program students and faculty who participated in the pilot program at the institution, including feedback regarding the results of the pilot program and information regarding the marketability and subsequent teaching careers of participating students.
(i) Requires THECB to compile a biennial report based on the data and information received under Subsection (g) regarding the operation of the pilot program and the results of the survey of educator preparation program students and faculty who participated in the pilot program at each of the selected institutions during the preceding biennium. Requires THECB, not later than September 1 of each odd-numbered year, to deliver a copy of the report to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chair of each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over higher education.
(j) Requires that the biennial report produced by THECB before September 1, 2029, include a recommendation regarding whether the pilot program should be continued, expanded, or terminated.
(k) Requires THECB, before September 1, 2031, to conduct a final survey of educator preparation program students and faculty who participated in the pilot program at the selected institutions at any time during the operation of the program, including feedback regarding the results of the pilot program and information regarding the marketability and teaching careers of participating students. Requires THECB to publish the results of the survey on its Internet website.
(l) Provides that the pilot program concludes and this section expires December 1, 2031.
SECTION 5. Provides that Section 29.9072, Education Code, as amended by this Act, applies beginning with the 20252026 school year.
SECTION 6. Requires THC, in coordination with THGAAC, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to establish the grant program required by Section 29.90721, Education Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 7. Requires THECB to select public institutions of higher education for the pilot program required under Section 61.0767, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than May 1, 2026.
SECTION 8. Effective date: September 1, 2025.