BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2984

By: Allison

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Computer science and coding skills are in strong demand in the job market. Despite ample job openings and a high median salary, few Texas students took a computer science course in the most recent school year. H.B. 2984 seeks to ensure that public school students develop knowledge and skills in coding, computer programming, computational thinking, and cybersecurity to prepare them for these high paying jobs.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2984 amends the Education Code to require the State Board of Education (SBOE), in adopting the essential knowledge and skills for the technology applications curriculum for kindergarten through grade eight, to adopt essential knowledge and skills that include coding, computer programming, computational thinking, and cybersecurity. The bill requires the SBOE, not later than December 31, 2020, and every five years thereafter, to review and revise, as needed, the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum to ensure the curriculum is relevant to student education and aligns with current or emerging professions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.