BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3018

By: Allison

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that students should be provided instruction on methods regarding the responsible and safe use of digital technology, which can greatly benefit a student when used correctly. H.B. 3018 seeks to address this issue by requiring public school districts in Texas to incorporate instruction relating to digital citizenship into the district's curriculum.

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the State Board of Education in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3018 amends the Education Code to require the State Board of Education by rule to require each public school district to incorporate instruction in digital citizenship into the district's curriculum. The bill defines "digital citizenship" as the standards of appropriate, responsible, and healthy online behavior, including the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act on all forms of digital communication. The bill applies beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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