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. The agency is tasked with determining the minimum requirements for earning the seal, ensuring they are rigorous enough to signify biliteracy to employers and postsecondary institutions. The requirements may include projects or portfolios but cannot be based solely on a specific examination. Additionally, the agency will provide school districts with insignias for diplomas and designations for transcripts of students who meet the criteria.

Each school district will be required to maintain records of students who earn the seal and to affix the insignia to their diplomas while noting the achievement on their transcripts. The bill mandates that the commissioner of education adopt necessary rules for its administration. 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 vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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