SRC-CTC H.B. 1776 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1776
By: Green (Nelson)
Education
5/10/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Studying the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution
educates students about the principles behind the founding of this country.
H.B. 1776 establishes the last week in September of each school year as
Celebrate Freedom Week, and sets forth provisions regarding an in-depth
study of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution
as well as the daily recitation of an excerpt from the Declaration of
Independence.  

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 28.002, Education Code, to require the last full
week of classes in September to be recognized in public schools as
Celebrate Freedom Week to educate students about the sacrifices made for
freedom in the founding of this country and the values on which this
country was founded.  Authorizes Celebrate Freedom Week to include at least
three hours of appropriate instruction, as determined by each school
district, in each social studies class.  Sets forth certain requirements
for such instruction.  Requires a school district, during Celebrate Freedom
Week, to require students in grade levels 3 through 12 to study a specified
portion of the Declaration of Independence. 

SECTION 2.  (a) Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2001-2002
school year. 

 (b) Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.