The bill, S.B. No. 453, proposes to amend the Education Code to include a new requirement for public high school students to complete a course on modern conflicts as part of their social studies curriculum. Specifically, it modifies Section 28.025 by adding a requirement for one-half credit in modern conflicts, while also adjusting the total credits required in social studies from three to three and one-half. Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Board of Education ensure that the course includes specific instruction on various historical events and ideologies related to modern conflicts, such as the history of Russia, China, North Korea, Cuba, and significant events like the Gulf War and the September 11 attacks.

The bill also introduces a new section, 28.0122, which outlines the content that must be covered in the modern conflicts course, detailing topics such as the Bolshevik Revolution, the Tiananmen Square protests, and the Iraq and Afghan Wars. The changes will apply to students entering the ninth grade starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with the previous curriculum requirements remaining in effect for students entering higher grades during that school year. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.025 (Education Code 28)