Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2497, also knows as the 1836 Project, into law on June 7 to help promote “patriotic education” and “ensure future generations understand” Texan values.
HB 2497, introduced by Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound), relates “to the establishment and duties of the Texas 1836 Project,” a nine-person committee that will serve two-year terms and work toward promoting and expanding education about Texas’ history and “foundational principles,” KVUE reported.
“To keep Texas the best state in the nation, we can never forget why our state is so exceptional. I signed a law establishing the 1836 project, which promotes patriotic education and ensures future generations understand Texas values. Together, we’ll keep our rich history alive,” Abbott wrote in a tweet.
The governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker will each be allowed to choose three people to appoint to the nine-person committee, with one of the people appointment by the governor serving as a “presiding officer” to hold meetings and coordinate future projects, KVUE reported.
According to KVUE, the project will work to educate and bring awareness about “Texas history, including the indigenous peoples of the state, the state’s Spanish and Mexican heritage, Tejanos, the Texas War for Independence, annexation of Texas by the U.S. and Juneteenth.”
The 1836 Project will also work on advising the governor about found principles of Texas and how those enrich the residents’ lives, will advise state agencies on patriotic education to provide at public places and promote other activities to support knowledge of the Texas War for Independence.
The 1836 Project will also require the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide pamphlets for “new” Texans getting a driver’s license and the Texas Education Agency to offer funding and administrative support for the overall program, KVUE reported.
Supporters of the bill state the bill will help those newcomers to the state understand what Texas is all about and why, while critics say the committee could include members that are not bipartisan and the project could turn into perspectives teaching only one political party or policy.
The bill, which goes into effect on Sept. 1, is estimated to cost approximately $2.3 million through to Aug. 31, 2023.