H.B. No. 2576 proposes the establishment of Victims of Communism Remembrance Day in public schools in Texas and mandates the inclusion of related educational content in the social studies curriculum. The bill amends Section 28.002 of the Education Code by adding Subsection (h-9), which requires the State Board of Education to develop essential knowledge and skills that educate students about Victims of Communism Remembrance Day. This includes instruction on historical figures and events associated with communist regimes, such as Mao Zedong, Joseph Stalin, and Fidel Castro, as well as the oppression experienced by individuals under these regimes.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 29.9075, which designates a specific day for Victims of Communism Remembrance Day and requires age-appropriate instruction in public schools regarding the topics outlined in Section 28.002(h-9). The implementation of these educational requirements is set to begin with the 2025-2026 school year, and the State Board of Education is tasked with reviewing and revising the social studies curriculum as necessary to comply with the new provisions. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.002 (Education Code 28)