BILL ANALYSIS
By: Puente
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Declaration of Independence reflects the principles and convictions upon which the United States was founded. The 78th Texas Legislature, in HB 1776, designated the week that November 11th falls, as Celebrate Freedom Week, which is to educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this great country and the values on which this country was founded. In December 2004 the federal government passed PUBLIC-LAW 108-447 which states that each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.
The Act changes Celebrate Freedom Week from the week of November 11th to the week of September 17 in order to correspond with the provisions of federal law, which will result in educators not having to teach the same material twice in the same school year.
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
The bill amends Section 29.907(a), Education Code, to provide that Celebrate Freedom week shall be celebrated in public schools during the week in which September 17 falls, rather than during the week in which November 11 falls, as is provided by current law.
The bill applies beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.