Signed by Governor Greg Abbott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires patriotic Texas history materials be distributed through the DMV.

Highlights:

• Classifies "patriotic education" as the following (Sec. 1-2):

• A presentation of the history of this state’s founding and foundational principles;

• An examination of how this state has grown closer to those principles throughout its history; and

• An explanation of why commitment to those principles is beneficial and justified.

• Establishes the 1836 Project as an advisory committee to promote patriotic education and increase awareness of the Texas values that continue to stimulate boundless prosperity across this state (Sec. 1-451.002).

• Requires the 1836 Project to do the following (Sec. 1-451.003.a):

• Promote awareness among residents of this state of the following as they relate to the history of prosperity and democratic freedom in this state:

• Texas history, including the indigenous peoples of this state, the Spanish and Mexican heritage of this state, Tejanos, the African-American heritage of this state, the Texas War for Independence, Juneteenth, annexation of Texas by the United States, the Christian heritage of this state, and this state’s heritage of keeping and bearing firearms in defense of life and liberty and for use in hunting;

• The founding documents of this state;

• The founders of this state;

• State civics; and

• The role of this state in passing and reauthorizing the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.

• Advise the governor on the core principles of the founding of this state and how those principles further enrich the lives of its residents;

• Facilitate the development and implementation of the Gubernatorial 1836 Award to recognize student knowledge of Texas Independence and other items;

• Advise state agencies with regard to their efforts to ensure patriotic education is provided to the public at state parks, battlefields, monuments, museums, installations, landmarks, cemeteries, and other places important to the Texas War for Independence and founding of this state, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law; and

• Facilitate, advise on, and promote other activities to support public knowledge of and patriotic education on the Texas War for Independence and founding of this state, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.

• Requires the 1836 Project to prepare and produce a written report that includes (Sec. 1-451.006):

• A description of the activities of the project;

• The findings and recommendations of the project;

• A plan that identifies the best method of carrying out the duties;

• Any proposals for legislation; and

• Any other matter the project considers appropriate.

• Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide a pamphlet on the 1836 Project to persons who receive a driver ’s license (Sec. 2.a):

• After applying; or

• With an expiration.

Full Bill Text