BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3435

By: Bowers

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that ongoing efforts to engage more women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields have not yet led to gender equality in the associated workforces. H.B. 3435 seeks to address this issue by designating March 1 as Texas Girls in STEM Day.

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. 3435 amends the Government Code to designate March 1 as Texas Girls in STEM Day to celebrate and encourage the participation of girls in Texas in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The bill requires Texas Girls in STEM Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs as specified by the bill.

H.B. 3435 amends the Education Code to authorize each public school district, in recognition of Texas Girls in STEM Day, to include throughout the month of March certain appropriate instruction, activities, and programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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