H.B. 319 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 319
By: Grusendorf
Public Education
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Instruction in the basic values that make today's society function and
enable all citizens to live together productively and harmoniously is
essential to the preservation of American society. Under current law,
there are no public school objectives relating to the instruction of
students concerning thoughtful, active citizenship and an appreciation for
the collective values of the State of Texas and the United States.  
 

PURPOSE

The purpose of House Bill 319 is to clarify that one of the objectives of
public education and all educators in Texas is to prepare students to be
thoughtful, active citizens who have an appreciation for the basic values
of our state and national heritage and who can understand and productively
function in a free enterprise society. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 
 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 319 amends the Education Code with the addition of an objective
of public education. This objective states that educators will prepare
students to be thoughtful, active citizens who have an appreciation for
the basic values of our state and national heritage and who can understand
and productively function in a free enterprise society. 
 

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the act
takes effect September 1, 2003.