Bill > HB1579

This bill establishes the Texas Seal of Biliteracy, a recognition program for public high school graduates who demonstrate high-level proficiency in both English and another language. The Texas Education Agency will be responsible for creating the program, determining rigorous requirements for earning the seal that do not rely solely on standardized examinations but may include projects or portfolios. School districts will be required to maintain records of students who earn the seal and will affix a special insignia to their diplomas and include a notation on their transcripts. The program aims to provide employers and postsecondary institutions with a clear indication of a student's bilingual capabilities. The seal will be implemented beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will take effect either immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if it does not. The commissioner of education is authorized to adopt rules necessary to administer the program, and the requirements will be developed in consultation with appropriate stakeholders to ensure the seal meaningfully represents bilingual proficiency.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1579