BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2482
	By: Men�ndez
	Education
	3/27/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In the 86th Session, S.B. 1828 created Holocaust Remembrance Week, in which school districts could opt in to teaching children age-appropriate lessons around the atrocities of the Holocaust and genocide of Jewish communities.  This is a huge step in ensuring future generations understand world history and the impacts of intolerance, so that we never repeat this.  This has come with overwhelmingly positive feedback in Senate District 26 and across the state, with letters of appreciation from students and teachers from as young as elementary school discussing how these lessons relate to bullying prevention, and the practice of acceptance and tolerance for each other. 

After four years of implementation, it is important to reflect on utilization and lessons learned.  The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission offers resources to assist school districts that participate, and opportunities for feedback; however there is no statewide review on the benefits or needed improvements to this programming.

S.B. 2482 creates a survey intended to be sent to superintendents, social studies and language arts curriculum coordinators, and principals to understand the utilization of Holocaust Remembrance Week.  This will help bridge resources available from the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission and inform long-term education and policy initiatives.

As proposed, S.B. 2482 amends current law relating to Holocaust Remembrance Week in public schools.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 29.9072, Education Code, by adding Subsection 29.9072(d), as follows:

Sec. 29.9072(d) Requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to review the implementation of Holocaust Remembrance Week at each school district. Authorizes TEA to partner with the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission to assist in the implementation of Holocaust Remembrance Week at each school district.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.