H.B. No. 1579 proposes the establishment of the Texas Seal of Biliteracy for public high school students, aimed at recognizing graduates who demonstrate proficiency in both English and another language. The bill introduces a new section, 28.028, to the Education Code, which defines the seal and outlines the responsibilities of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in establishing the criteria for earning it. The TEA is tasked with determining rigorous minimum requirements for the seal, which may include projects or portfolios but cannot be contingent on a specific examination. Additionally, the TEA will provide school districts with insignias to be affixed to diplomas and designations for transcripts of students who meet the requirements.

School districts will be required to maintain records of students who earn the seal and ensure that the insignia is included on diplomas and transcripts. The bill also mandates that the commissioner of education adopt necessary rules for the administration of this section. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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