Bill: HB 3979, 87(R) - 2021

Committee

House Public Education

2nd Chamber Committee

Senate State Affairs

Companion Bill

SB 2202

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive

Author(s)

Steve Toth
Greg Bonnen
Jeff Leach
Will Metcalf
Tan Parker

Co-Author(s)

Charles Anderson
Kyle Biedermann
Briscoe Cain
Giovanni Capriglione
Jeff Cason
David Cook
Jake Ellzey
Cody Harris
Cole Hefner
Jacey Jetton
Phil King
Brooks Landgraf
Ben Leman
J.M. Lozano
Mayes Middleton
Candy Noble
Dennis Paul
Matt Shaheen
David Spiller
Phil Stephenson
Valoree Swanson
Tony Tinderholt
Cody Vasut
Terry Wilson

Sponsor(s)

Brandon Creighton

Bill Caption

Relating to the social studies curriculum in public schools.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3979 would require the State Board of Education to adopt essential knowledge and skills for students' civic knowledge, including an understanding of the fundamental moral, political, and intellectual foundations of the American experiment in self-government; the history, qualities, traditions, and features of civic engagement in the United States; the structure, function, and processes of government institutions at the federal, state, and local levels; and the founding documents of the United States including the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Federalist Papers including Essays 10 and 51, excerpts from Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America, the transcript of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, and writings of the Founding Fathers.

HB 3979 stipulates that a teacher may not be compelled to discuss current or widely debated and controversial events but requires if they choose to do so to offer diverse perspectives on the subjects in a way that is viewpoint neutral.

HB 3979 would prohibit a school district or open-enrollment charter school requiring or giving credit, including extra credit, for any work or association with any organization engaged in lobbying for legislation at any level, social or political advocacy, political activism, or participation in any practicum or similar activity involving social or political advocacy, 

HB 3979 would prohibit the teaching of certain concepts including that any race or sex is superior to another, that one race deserves different treatment from another, that an individual by virtue of the individual's race is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, or a number of other highly controversial subjects. 

HB 3979 stipulates that private funding may not be used for the purpose of developing curriculum, materials, or providing teacher training related to the civics instruction required by the bill. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action strongly supports HB 3979 on the principles of individual liberty and limited government. Civics education as provided for by this bill would provide students a crucial understanding of our nation's founding and the philosophical underpinnings of the principles of liberty and limited government.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 08:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/87r/hb3979?print_view=true