The bill, H.B. No. 3579, proposes to amend the Education Code by eliminating the requirement for personal skills instruction in public schools. Specifically, it modifies Section 29.906 by removing references to "personal skills" from the heading and the text, while retaining a focus on positive character traits. The State Board of Education will still be required to integrate these character traits into the essential knowledge and skills for students from kindergarten through grade 12. The bill lists specific character traits that must be included, such as courage, trustworthiness, integrity, and responsibility, among others.

Additionally, the bill mandates that each school district and open-enrollment charter school adopt a character education program that encompasses the positive character traits outlined. In developing these programs, districts are required to consult with a committee made up of parents, educators, and community members. The provisions of this act are set to 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 of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.906 (Education Code 29)