BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2012

By: Oliverson

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Displaying the national motto in a public area in schools can serve as a reminder of the values and principles on which this country was founded. It can promote a sense of national pride and unity and can also be used as a tool for teaching students about the motto's history and meaning. During the 87th Regular Session, the legislature passed S.B. 797, requiring the display of the national motto in public schools and institutions of higher education when donated or purchased from private donations. H.B. 2012 seeks to expand that legislation by providing for the display of the national motto in the classroom.

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. 2012 amends the Education Code to establish that a classroom teacher at a public elementary or secondary school or a teacher or professor at a public institution of higher education may not be prohibited from displaying in a classroom a poster or framed copy of the national motto that meets the requirements applicable to the poster or framed copy of the national motto that the school or institution itself must display. The bill applies beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.