bill ending coding credits as a foreign language

The text as introduced · 429 words

90R3864 KRM-D

By: Lalani
H.B. No. 596

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a repeal of the exception to the foreign language

curriculum requirements for high school students in public schools

for completion of credits in computer programming languages.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 28.025(b-12), Education Code, is

repealed.

SECTION 2. Section 28.025(b-1), Education Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(b-1) The State Board of Education by rule shall require

that the curriculum requirements for the foundation high school

program under Subsection (a) include a requirement that students

successfully complete:

(1) four credits in English language arts under

Section 28.002(a)(1)(A), including one credit in English I, one

credit in English II, one credit in English III, and one credit in

an advanced English course authorized under Subsection (b-2);

(2) three credits in mathematics under Section

28.002(a)(1)(B), including one credit in Algebra I, one credit in

geometry, and one credit in any advanced mathematics course

authorized under Subsection (b-2);

(3) three credits in science under Section

28.002(a)(1)(C), including one credit in biology, one credit in any

advanced science course authorized under Subsection (b-2), and one

credit in integrated physics and chemistry or in an additional

advanced science course authorized under Subsection (b-2);

(4) three credits in social studies under Section

28.002(a)(1)(D), including one credit in United States history, at

least one-half credit in government and at least one-half credit in

personal financial literacy, and one credit in economics, world

geography, or world history;

(5) except as provided under Subsections [ (b-12), ]

(b-13)[ , ] and (b-14), two credits in the same language in a language

other than English under Section 28.002(a)(2)(A);

(6) five elective credits;

(7) one credit in fine arts under Section

28.002(a)(2)(D); and

(8) except as provided by Subsection (b-11), one

credit in physical education under Section 28.002(a)(2)(C).

SECTION 3. Section 28.025, Education Code, as amended by

this Act, applies only to students entering the ninth grade during

the 2027-2028 school year or a later school year. For students

entering a grade above ninth grade during the 2027-2028 school

year, Section 28.025, Education Code, as that section existed

before amendment by this Act, applies, and that section is

continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2027.