Bill Caption

Relating to civics instruction in public schools.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 3009, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($333,308) through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3009 would require the Texas Education Agency to provide instructional materials and resources to help schools teach students public policy and develop civic projects. This bill would also add civics as a part of the social studies essential knowledge and skills, require the State Board of Education to develop a civics curriculum, and require civics to be taught once in grades fourth through eighth as well as in classes offered in high school. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action recommends supporting HB 3009 because it promotes our principle of limited government. We support efforts to require greater civics education in schools. It may be wise to consider an amendment stipulating that civics education, including project-based course work, must be neutral with respect to partisan ideology or affiliation and must prohibit educators from requiring a project to favor a particular political party or political ideology.