BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 801
	By: Seliger
	Education
	6/8/2017
	Enrolled

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The State Board of Education (SBOE) is directed by statute to adopt a list of instructional materials for use in each subject and grade level; however, current law limits what SBOE can review prior to adoption. Specifically, SBOE may ensure that the materials are free from factual errors, contain at least half of the elements of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, and meet applicable physical specifications. S.B. 801 allows SBOE to also consider whether instructional materials are suitable for the subject and grade level for which they are submitted. 

 

S.B. 801 amends current law relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

 

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 31.023(b), Education Code, as follows:

 

(b) Requires that each instructional material on the list of instructional materials be:

 

(1) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes no further changes to this subdivision;

 

(2) suitable for the subject and grade level for which the instructional material was submitted; and

 

(3) reviewed by academic experts in the subject and grade level for which the instructional material was submitted.

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 31.035(a), Education Code, to authorize the State Board of Education to adopt certain supplemental instructional material only if the instructional material meets certain criteria, including that the instructional material is suitable for the subject and grade level and is reviewed by academic experts in the subject and grade level.

 

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2017.