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.