BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2548

By: Herrero

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Special Hearts in the Arts is a nonprofit organization based in Corpus Christi and its mission is to provide fine arts classes and performance opportunities to individuals with special needs. C.S.H.B. 2548 seeks to recognize December 8 as Special Hearts Day, which will serve as a celebration of the attributes of individuals with disabilities, whether they are expressed through fine arts, sports, or other avenues of life, and will emphasize the way that these creative and athletic outlets bring joy to individuals with special needs and those around them.

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

C.S.H.B. 2548 amends the Government Code to designate December 8 as Special Hearts Day in recognition and celebration of the attributes of individuals with disabilities for the purpose of building a more inclusive community in which people are defined by their abilities rather than their disabilities. Special Hearts Day must be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.H.B. 2548 may differ from the introduced in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following summarizes the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

Both the introduced and the substitute designate December 8 as Special Hearts Day. The introduced made this designation in recognition and celebration of artists with special needs and the mission of the Special Hearts in the Arts nonprofit, whereas the substitute makes this designation in recognition and celebration of the attributes of individuals with disabilities.