BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 824

By: Jones, Jolanda

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that a strong democracy relies on an informed and engaged electorate. However, many young Americans currently graduate high school without a fundamental understanding of government functions, lawmaking, or civic participation. The bill author further informed the committee that ensuring comprehensive civics education is essential to fostering active and responsible citizenship as, without this knowledge, students are less likely to vote, engage with elected officials, or consider public service. H.B. 824 seeks to address this issue by mandating civics instruction as part of the high school government curriculum in Texas public schools.

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. 824 amends the Education Code to require the State Board of Education, in adopting the state curriculum standards for the government component of the social studies curriculum for high school students, to adopt standards to develop each student's civic knowledge, including the following topics:

· the role of governmental officials, including statewide elected officials, county officials, city councilors, and other local governmental officials;

· the voting process and election laws of Texas;

· the eligibility requirements to run for elected office in Texas;

· Robert's Rules of Order; and

· the elected officials who represent the student at each level of government.

The bill's provisions apply beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.