88R1953 BDP-D

By: J. Johnson of Harris H.B. No. 368

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of the African American studies advisory board by the State Board of Education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 28.019 to read as follows:

Sec. 28.019. AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES ADVISORY BOARD. (a) In this section, "board" means the African American studies advisory board.

(b) The State Board of Education shall establish and maintain an African American studies advisory board for the purpose of broadening the content in social studies, African American studies, and any other identified courses to include citizenship, culture, economics, science, technology, geography, and politics as they relate to the history of African Americans.

(c) The board is composed of 15 members appointed by the State Board of Education as follows:

(1) 10 members who are academic professionals with expertise in African American studies and who have served to actively educate the public on the impact of the enslavement era, the contributions of African Americans to society, and racial equity issues, including:

(A) five members who are:

(i) faculty and staff members representing the African American studies departments of institutions of higher education in this state; and

(ii) recommended by five different institutions of higher education in this state, including:

(a) at least one member recommended by a public junior college;

(b) one member recommended by Prairie View A&M University's African American studies initiative; and

(c) one member recommended by Texas Southern University's African American studies minor program; and

(B) five members who:

(i) represent school districts; and

(ii) are recommended by organizations that represent practitioners, administrators, and school leaders, including at least:

(a) one member recommended by the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators;

(b) one member recommended by the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members; and

(c) one member recommended by the Texas Association of Rural Schools; and

(2) five members who:

(A) represent public school students and parents;

(B) include three current public school students; and

(C) are recommended by education organizations, including at least:

(i) one member recommended by a statewide organization focused on research-based education policy; and

(ii) one member recommended by an advocacy organization that works with parents of students.

(d) Not later than November 1 of each year, the State Board of Education shall solicit and review recommendations and make final appointments to the board in accordance with Subsection (c).

(e) Members of the board serve staggered two-year terms, with the terms of five members expiring on December 1 of each year. Members may be reappointed at the end of a term for up to four terms.

(f) The members of the board shall elect a presiding officer for the board. The board shall hold meetings at the call of the presiding officer.

(g) The board shall:

(1) advise and provide recommendations to the State Board of Education and the agency on curriculum and guidance related to African American history and culture; and

(2) review and propose changes to interdisciplinary content that references African American history and culture, including textbooks, for kindergarten through grade 12.

(h) Not later than December 1 of each year, the board shall prepare and submit to the governor, the legislature, the agency, and the State Board of Education a written report that includes:

(1) a summary of the board's work throughout the year;

(2) any information provided to the State Board of Education and the agency under Subsection (g); and

(3) recommendations for legislative action.

(i) Section 2110.008, Government Code, does not apply to the advisory board established under this section.

SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2023, the African American studies advisory board established under Section 28.019, Education Code, as added by this Act, shall hold its first meeting.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.