By King of Parker                                       H.B. No. 86
         77R223 BDH-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to character education programs in public schools.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
 1-5     amended by adding Section 29.903 to read as follows:
 1-6           Sec. 29.903.  CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM. (a)  A school
 1-7     district may implement in district schools a character education
 1-8     program.
 1-9           (b)  A character education program under this section must
1-10     utilize integrated teaching strategies designed to develop positive
1-11     character traits, including:
1-12                 (1)  respect;
1-13                 (2)  honesty;
1-14                 (3)  integrity;
1-15                 (4)  responsibility;
1-16                 (5)  patience;
1-17                 (6)  mercy;
1-18                 (7)  courage;
1-19                 (8)  good citizenship; and
1-20                 (9)  patriotism.
1-21           (c)  A district that implements a character education program
1-22     shall consult with a committee selected by the district and
1-23     consisting of parents, educators, business organizations, religious
1-24     organizations, and other members of the community to develop the
 2-1     program.
 2-2           (d)  This section does not require or authorize proselytizing
 2-3     or indoctrinating concerning any specific religious or political
 2-4     belief.
 2-5           (e)  The agency shall:
 2-6                 (1)  based on data reported by school districts,
 2-7     annually designate as a Character Plus School each school that
 2-8     provides a character education program that:
 2-9                       (A)  meets the criteria under Subsection (b); and
2-10                       (B)  is approved by the committee selected under
2-11     Subsection (c); and
2-12                 (2)  include in the comprehensive biennial report
2-13     required under Section 39.182 any character education data reported
2-14     by a school district and considered appropriate by the agency.
2-15           SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately and applies
2-16     beginning with the 2001-2002 school year.