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, Section 28.028, to the Education Code, which defines the seal and outlines the criteria for its attainment. The Texas Education Agency is tasked with determining the minimum requirements for earning the seal, ensuring that these requirements are rigorous enough to demonstrate a student's biliteracy to employers and postsecondary institutions. The criteria may include the completion of projects or portfolios, but cannot be based solely on a specific examination. Additionally, the agency 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 responsible for maintaining records of students who earn the seal and ensuring that the insignia is included on diplomas and 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.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()