Relating to references to years in instructional material used in public schools.
Summary
SB 2249 would require instructional materials used in Texas public schools to refer to years using the traditional designations “BC” and “AD,” and would prohibit materials from using “BCE” and “CE.” The bill does not ban explanatory content about those terms; it specifically allows instructional materials to explain what “BCE” and “CE” mean.
The measure applies only to instructional materials acquired on or after the bill’s effective date, leaving previously purchased materials subject to the law in effect when they were acquired. The bill would take effect September 1, 2025, if enacted.
Impact
The bill would amend the Education Code by adding a new section governing the content of instructional materials selected for use in public schools. Its practical effect would be to direct school districts and other public school entities to ensure newly acquired instructional materials use BC/AD terminology rather than BCE/CE terminology, while preserving the ability to teach or explain the meaning of those terms. Existing materials already acquired before the effective date would not need to be replaced or altered under the bill.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears to reflect a preference for traditional historical dating conventions in school materials, but the record here does not show how legislators or stakeholders reacted.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns terminology in educational content: supporters may view BC/AD as the preferred or more traditional references, while opponents may argue that BCE/CE is more inclusive, academically standard, or neutral in secular instruction. Another possible issue is whether the state should prescribe specific wording in instructional materials at all, since the bill regulates textbook and curriculum language rather than leaving that choice to educators or publishers.
Relating to the instructional materials for certain curriculum in public schools, including certain instructional prohibitions and requirements regarding those materials.