HBA-MPM H.B. 911 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 911
By: Delisi
Public Education
4/18/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Children spend a significant amount of their day in the classroom, and the
lessons they learn there may help shape the way in which they make
decisions for the rest of their lives.  H.B. 911 modifies Subchapter Z,
Chapter 29, Education Code, by adding Section 29.903 to encourage the
implementation of comprehensive character education programs within public
school districts. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, by adding
Section 29.903, as follows: 

Sec. 29.903.  CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM.  (a)  Encourages each school
district to implement in district schools a comprehensive character
education program (program).  Provides examples of sample programs. 

(b)  Specifies that a program must be secular, stress certain positive
character traits, be taught for the entire school year, provide at least
one hour of instruction each week, and provide a curriculum that includes
specific methods and applications. 

(c)  Requires a district that implements this program, to the greatest
extent practicable, to incorporate the character traits emphasized in the
program into the district's regular curriculum. 

(d)  Authorizes a district to offer the program at one or more grade levels.

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 39.092(a), Education Code, to authorize the
governor to present a financial award to the districts that have
implemented a comprehensive character program. 

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective for the 1999-2000
school year. 

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.