Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the 1836 Project, which seeks to promote education about Texas history, into law.
Filed by Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) and sponsored by 28 GOP lawmakers, House Bill 2497, signed June 7, will establish the 1836 Project committee, according to KVUE News. Individuals on the nine-person committee will serve two-year terms and help promote the Lone Star State's history in connection with its values.
"To keep Texas the best state in the nation, we can never forget WHY our state is so exceptional," Abbot wrote in a June 7 Twitter post. "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."
The committee that will promote "patriotic education" to preserve awareness of Texas's founding principles, increase awareness of how the state has historically worked towards those principles and explain why commitment to those principles is important.
"We cannot selectively pick and choose which parts of our history we would like to share. As we celebrate Texas, we must always work to protect and remember the entire legacy of the Lone Star State," Parker wrote in a June 7 Facebook post. "The 1836 Project will share the missing chapters from Texas' story and keep them alive for current and future generations of Texans."
The governor, the lieutenant governor, and the Texas House Speaker will each appoint three members to the committee, with a presiding officer handpicked by the governor, according to the bill.
"My hope is The 1836 Project will serve as a reminder of our unique liberties and freedoms that continue to create unlimited opportunities for all who call this great state home," Parker added.
HB 2497 goes into effect on Sept. 1, 2021.
Opponents of the bill criticize it as unnecessary and costly, saying Texas history and values are already taught in public schools.
They also warn that the committee could only offer one policy perspective since all nine members are appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker.