SRC-TAG H.B. 219 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 219
78R10013 SLO-DBy: Hope (Staples)
Education
5/9/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, there is no provision authorizing the display of the
national motto, "In God We Trust," in public schools.  The phrase "In God
We Trust" was adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1954 as the national motto
for the United States.  President George W. Bush recently signed federal
legislation, which reaffirmed "In God We Trust" as our national motto.
Furthermore, other states have recently enacted legislation that
authorizes the national motto to be displayed in public schools.  H.B. 219
authorizes Texas public schools and colleges to display the national
motto, "In God We Trust." 


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  Chapter 1, Education Code, by adding Section 1.004, as
follows: 

Sec. 1.004.  DISPLAY OF NATIONAL MOTTO.  Authorizes a  public elementary
or secondary school or an institution of higher education as defined by
Section 61.003 to display the United States national motto, "In God We
Trust," in each classroom, auditorium, and cafeteria. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that Section 1.004, Education Code, as added by this
Act, applies beginning with the 2003-2004 school year. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.