BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 708
80R4294 KKA-D By: Puente (Uresti)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Declaration of Independence reflects the principles and convictions upon which the United States was founded. H.B. 1776, 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, designated the week of November 11 as Celebrate Freedom Week, in order to educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding and values of this country. The week of November 11 was chosen in order to coincide with Veteran’s Day. However, in December 2004, the federal government passed legislation requiring each educational institution that receives federal funds to hold an educational program on the United States Constitution, to take place on the week of September 17 of each year.
H.B. 708 changes Celebrate Freedom Week from the week of November 11 to the week of September 17, in order to coincide with federal law and avoid teaching the same material twice in the same school year.
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 29.907(a), Education Code, to change the week designated as Celebrate Freedom Week in public schools from the week of November 11 to the week of September 17.
SECTION 2. Applies this Act beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.