Bill

HB 2681

87(R) - 2021
House Public Education
Senate Education
House Public Education
Senate Education
Public Education

Contact the Author

Terry Wilson

Phone:

512-463-0309

Capitol Office:

E2.714

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Terry Wilson
Cecil Bell Jr.
Candy Noble

Co-Author(s)

Paul Bettencourt
Greg Bonnen
Brad Buckley
Briscoe Cain
Jeff Cason
David Cook
Jake Ellzey
James Frank
Cole Hefner
Jacey Jetton
Matt Krause
Jeff Leach
Ben Leman
Will Metcalf
Mayes Middleton
Tom Oliverson
Chris Paddie
Jarred Patterson
Glenn Rogers
Scott Sanford
Matt Schaefer
Matt Shaheen
Bryan Slaton
David Spiller
Phil Stephenson
Valoree Swanson
Ed Thompson
Tony Tinderholt
Steve Toth
Cody Vasut

Sponsor(s)

Dawn Buckingham

Bill Caption

Relating to public school elective courses providing academic study of the Bible offered to certain students.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-­year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2681, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($301,480) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023. 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

Under current law, public schools may offer elective courses on the Bible for grades nine and above. The purpose of these courses is, among other things, to "teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy."

HB 2681 would expand the availability of this elective by allowing it to be offered to students beginning in 6th grade. Certain teacher qualifications for such a course would be revised. Such a course offered to students in grade six, seven, or eight may be considered as a social studies course for purposes of complying with certain curriculum requirements. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 2681 on the principles of individual liberty and limited government. The course would be expanded to allow more students to take it beginning in earlier grades and would still remain permissive at the discretion of local school districts. 

Contact the Author

Terry Wilson

Phone:

512-463-0309

Capitol Office:

E2.714

Email: