SRC-JEC,CTC C.S.H.B. 1776 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 1776 By: Green (Nelson) Education 5/10/2001 Substituted DIGEST AND PURPOSE Studying the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution educates students about the principles behind the founding of this country. C.S.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 29, Education Code, by adding Section 29.903, to designate the last full week of classes in September 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 appropriate instruction, as determined by each school district, in each social studies class. Sets forth certain requirements for such instruction. Authorizes 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.