Bill Text: TX HB1804 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2023-01-30 - Filed [HB1804 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB1804-Introduced.html

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By: Leo-Wilson H.B. No. 1804

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the instructional material list and supplemental
instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 31.023, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read as
follows:
(b) Each instructional material on the list:
(1) must [be]:
(A) be [(1)] free from factual errors;
(B) be [(2)] suitable for the subject and grade
level for which the instructional material was submitted; [and]
(C) be [(3)] reviewed by academic experts in the
subject and grade level for which the instructional material was
submitted;
(D) present a scientific theory in an objective
educational manner that:
(i) clearly distinguishes the theory from
fact; and
(ii) includes evidence for both the
scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of the theory;
(E) present violence, if it appears, in the
context of the causes and consequences of the violence and not for
unwholesome excitement or sensationalism;
(F) present positive aspects of the United States
and its heritage, if the instructional material discusses the
United States or its heritage;
(G) present contrasting points of view regarding
significant political or social movements in history in a balanced
and factual manner;
(H) treat all groups fairly and avoid biases or
stereotypes regarding any particular individual, group, or type of
work to reflect the positive contributions of all individuals and
groups to the American way of life; and
(I) include information needed to develop mutual
respect and understanding among all persons; and
(2) may not:
(A) include selections or works that condone
civil disorder, social strife, or disregard for the law;
(B) include blatantly offensive language or
illustrations;
(C) encourage lifestyles that deviate from
generally accepted standards of society;
(D) contain a concept described by Section
28.0022(a)(4)(A); or
(E) be authored by an employee of the agency.
(c) If the State Board of Education determines that an
instructional material being considered for adoption under this
section contains content that does not comply with the standards
under Subsection (b), the board may not adopt the instructional
material unless the publisher removes the content or modifies the
content in a manner that complies with the standards under that
subsection.
SECTION 2. Section 31.035, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as
follows:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter,
the State Board of Education may adopt supplemental instructional
materials that are not on the list adopted under Section 31.023.
The State Board of Education may adopt supplemental instructional
material under this section only if the instructional material:
(1) contains material covering one or more primary
focal points or primary topics of a subject in the required
curriculum under Section 28.002, as determined by the State Board
of Education;
(2) is not designed to serve as the sole instructional
material for a full course;
(3) meets applicable physical specifications adopted
by the State Board of Education; and
(4) complies with the standards under Section
31.023(b) [is free from factual errors;
[(5) is suitable for the subject and grade level; and
[(6) is reviewed by academic experts in the subject
and grade level].
(a-1) If the State Board of Education determines that an
instructional material being considered for adoption under this
section contains content that does not comply with the standards
under Subsection (a), the board may not adopt the instructional
material unless the publisher removes the content or modifies the
content in a manner that complies with the standards under that
subsection.
SECTION 3. Sections 31.023 and 31.035, Education Code, as
amended by this Act, apply only to an instructional material list or
supplemental instructional material adopted on or after the
effective date of this Act. An instructional material list or
supplemental instructional material adopted before the effective
date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the
instructional material list or supplemental instructional material
was adopted, and the former law is continued in effect for that
purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.