86R11142 TSS-D
 
  By: Hughes S.B. No. 2090
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to inclusion of Bible instruction in the required English
  language arts curriculum for public school students.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 28.002, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsections (x) and (y) to read as follows:
         (x)  In adopting the essential knowledge and skills for the
  English language arts curriculum under Subsection (a)(1)(A), the
  State Board of Education shall adopt essential knowledge and skills
  that include instruction on the content, characters, poetry, and
  narratives of the Bible that are prerequisites to understanding
  United States and Texas history and contemporary society and
  culture.  In adopting essential knowledge and skills under this
  subsection, the board:
               (1)  may not require a student to use a specific
  translation as the sole text of the Bible and must allow the student
  to use a different translation from that chosen by the board of
  trustees of the student's school district or the student's teacher;
  and
               (2)  shall ensure:
                     (A)  all applicable federal and state guidelines
  regarding maintaining religious neutrality and accommodating the
  diverse religious views, traditions, and perspectives of students
  in their school district are followed; and
                     (B)  a particular religion, nonreligious faith,
  or religious perspective is not endorsed, favored, promoted,
  disfavored, or shown hostility.
         (y)  Nothing in Subsection (x) is intended to violate any
  provision of the United States Constitution, federal law, the Texas
  Constitution, or any state law.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2019-2020
  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, 2019.