BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2012
88R8085 PRL-D	By: Oliverson et al. (Hughes)
	Education
	5/9/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The phrase "In God We Trust" has been prominent in American public life since 1864, when it was first placed on an American coin.  Since that time, it has been used in near-unbroken fashion on American coinage and became the official motto of the United States on July 30, 1956, when President Eisenhower signed Public Law 84-140.

S.B. 797 passed during the 87th Regular Session to require the display of the national motto in public schools or institutions of higher education when durable or framed copies of the motto are donated or purchased with private donations.  H.B. 2012 expands this section of the Education Code to allow a faculty member at a public school or institution of higher education to display in the classroom a copy of the national motto that meets accompanying statutory requirements. 

H.B. 2012 amends current law relating to the display of the national motto in public school and institution of higher education classrooms.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 1.004, Education Code, by adding Subsection (d), as follows:

(d)  Prohibits a classroom teacher at a public elementary or secondary school or a teacher or professor at an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003 (Definitions) from being prohibited from displaying in a classroom a poster or framed copy of the national motto that meets the requirements of Section 1.004 (Display of National Motto).

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2023�2024 school year.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.