BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2176
80R7017 SLO-D By: Deshotel et al. (West)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
There has been an increase in births to unmarried parents in Texas from 1995 to 2002. To address this problem, the office of the Attorney General created the Parenting and Paternity Awareness (P.A.P.A.) program. The program involves engaging students in discussions regarding marriage, committed relationships, and the importance of a father to a child's well-being.
Many teachers across Texas have received the curriculum training with positive response from both teachers and students. However, the Texas Education Code does not require school districts to provide an educational program or support services for students who are parents, or to female students who are pregnant. Requiring this type of program in schools may result in students who are better informed about the duties and responsibilities of parenting, relationship skills, and money management. Additionally, such a program may decrease the number of pregnancies and improve parenting relationships and financial skills of those who are parents and of those who are soon to become parents.
H.B. 2176 requires a school district to incorporate a parenting and paternity awareness program, developed by the State Board of Education in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, into the high school health curriculum.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 28.002, Education Code, by adding Subsection (p), as follows:
(p) Requires the State Board of Education (SBOE), in conjunction with the office of the attorney general, to develop a parenting and paternity awareness program (program) that a school district is required to use in high school health curriculum. Sets forth required components of the program.
SECTION 2. (a) Requires SBOE to develop a program as provided by Section 28.002(p), Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than May 1, 2008.
(b) Requires a school district to use the program developed by SBOE as provided by Section 28.002, Education Code, as added by this Act, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.