HBA-MPM H.B. 86 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 86
By: King, Phil
Public Education
3/12/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Parents are the primary moral educators of their children.  However,
schools are viewed as a partner in helping families instill civic values.
Character education can be an effective method for improving academic
achievement, self-esteem, attitude toward school, ability to work with
others, racial attitudes, and acceptance of classmates who are handicapped.
House Bill 86 authorizes Texas school districts to establish a character
education program in each school. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 86 amends the Education Code to authorize school districts in
Texas to implement a character education program in each school.  The bill
provides that the program utilize integrated teaching strategies designed
to develop certain positive character traits.  A district implementing such
a program is required to consult with a committee consisting of parents,
educators, business organizations, religious organizations, and other
community members to develop the program.  The bill provides that
proselytizing or indoctrinating concerning a specific religious or
political belief is not authorized nor required by the bill.  The bill
requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to designate annually as a
Character Plus School each school that provides a character education
program that utilizes integrated teaching strategies and is approved by the
committee selected by the district.  The bill requires TEA to include in
its biennial report any relevant character education data.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage.  This Act applies beginning with the 2001-2002 school year.