83R1978 CAE-D
 
  By: Bohac, Raymond, Orr, Eiland, Villarreal, H.B. No. 308
      et al.
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a school district's recognition of and education
  regarding traditional winter celebrations.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 29.920 to read as follows:
         Sec. 29.920.  WINTER CELEBRATIONS. (a) A school district
  may educate students about the history of traditional winter
  celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer
  traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including:
               (1)  "Merry Christmas";
               (2)  "Happy Hanukkah"; and
               (3)  "happy holidays."
         (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), a school district
  may display on school property scenes or symbols associated with
  traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas
  image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display
  includes a scene or symbol of:
               (1)  more than one religion; or
               (2)  one religion and at least one secular scene or
  symbol.
         (c)  A display relating to a traditional winter celebration
  may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular
  religious belief.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014
  school year.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2013.