AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 1380 designates October as Texas Disability History Awareness Month. Establishing a disability history awareness month in Texas will send a positive message to all Texans about disability. This bill will encourage public schools and state agencies to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities. During this time, various schools and agencies will have an opportunity to highlight the achievements of Texans with disabilities who made significant contributions to the state. It will also be an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary Americans who lead the way in the disability rights movement.
S.B. 1380 would increase public awareness of the many achievements of people with disabilities; encourage public understanding of the disability rights movement; and reaffirm the local, state, and federal commitment to providing equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.
As proposed, S.B. 1380 amends current law relating to designating October as Disability History and Awareness Month.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.109, as follows:
Sec. 662.109. DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS MONTH. (a) Provides that October is Disability History and Awareness Month to:
(1) increase public awareness of the many achievements of people with disabilities;
(2) encourage public understanding of the disability rights movement; and
(3) reaffirm the local, state, and federal commitment to providing equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.
(b) Requires that Disability History and Awareness Month be regularly observed by appropriate celebration and activities in public schools and other places to promote respect for and better treatment of people with disabilities in this state.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2011.