BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2232

By: Hinojosa, Adam

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill sponsor has informed the committee that the time children spend online and using screens has skyrocketed and that, as technology becomes an increasingly integral part of our lives, it is more important than ever to unplug and get active. The Physical Activity Alliance reported in 2022 that only 20 to 28 percent of children were getting the recommended daily hour of physical activity. The CDC reports that, among teenagers aged 12 to 17, approximately 50 percent have four or more hours of daily screen time. S.B. 2232 seeks to encourage Texans to disconnect from electronic devices and engage in physical activity, creative pursuits, and meaningful social connections through parks and recreational spaces by designating October 21 as Unplug Texas Day, modeled after Illinois's successful "unplug Illinois" program.

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

S.B. 2232 amends the Government Code to designate October 21 as Unplug Texas Day to encourage Texans to unplug from their electronic devices and plug into play, creativity, friendship, adventure, and family. The bill authorizes Unplug Texas Day to be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities coordinated by state and local parks and recreation agencies and departments to promote the recreational opportunities available at parks and other recreation facilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.