85R17274 SRS-D
 
  By: Guerra, Cook, Bohac, Parker, Howard, H.B. No. 728
      et al.
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 728:
 
  By:  Bernal C.S.H.B. No. 728
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment by the commissioner of education of
  an advanced computer science program for high school students.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 28.018 to read as follows:
         Sec. 28.018.  ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM. (a)  The
  commissioner by rule shall develop and implement a program under
  which:
               (1)  students in participating school districts may
  comply with the curriculum requirements for an advanced mathematics
  credit under Section 28.025(b-1)(2) or an advanced science credit
  under Section 28.025(b-1)(3) by successfully completing an
  advanced computer science course; and
               (2)  participating school districts implement rigorous
  standards, as developed by the State Board of Education, for
  advanced computer science courses that are focused on the creation
  and use of software and computing technologies.
         (b)  The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to
  administer this section.
         SECTION 2.  The commissioner of education shall establish
  the program under Section 28.018, Education Code, as added by this
  Act, not later than September 1, 2018, for implementation during
  the 2018-2019 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, 2017.