The bill, S.B. No. 735, aims to enhance Holocaust education and training for public school educators and students in Texas. It introduces a new section, 8.065, which mandates that each regional education service center regularly collaborate with Holocaust museums in the state to improve educator training and classroom education opportunities related to Holocaust education. Additionally, it amends Section 29.9072 of the Education Code to require school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to submit annual reports on Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction, detailing the activities and materials used. The bill also establishes a timeline for the agency to notify schools about Holocaust Remembrance Week and its associated requirements.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new grant program under Section 29.90721, which will be administered by the Texas Historical Commission in coordination with the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission. This program will provide funding to school districts and relevant organizations to support Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction, including developing lesson plans, sponsoring student field trips to Holocaust museums, and providing educator training. The provisions of the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the grant program is to be established as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.9072 (Education Code 29)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 29.9072 (Education Code 29)
Engrossed: Education Code 29.9072 (Education Code 29)
House Committee Report: Education Code 29.9072 (Education Code 29)