The bill, S.B. No. 1414, proposes the establishment of the Texas State Seal of Bilingualism and Biliteracy for public high school students. It introduces a new section, 28.028, to the Education Code, which defines the seal and outlines its purpose. The Texas Education Agency is tasked with creating the seal to recognize high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in both English and another language. The agency will consult with stakeholders to determine the minimum requirements for earning the seal, which must be 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 bill mandates that each school district maintain records of students who earn the seal and affix the seal's insignia to their diplomas while noting the achievement on their transcripts. The commissioner of education is responsible for adopting necessary rules to implement this section. The provisions of the bill 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.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()