House Bill 946 was passed by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001 and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry.  This legislation permits school districts to implement character education programs for students. Programs offered under Texas Education Code §29.906 must meet the following criteria:

1) stress positive character traits as outlined in the bill;

2) use integrated teaching strategies; and

3) be age appropriate.

The Texas Education Agency is required to maintain a list of character education programs that meet the above criteria. Each year, the Agency will designate schools as Character Plus Schools if they implement a program that meets the criteria listed above and is approved by a committee as defined in the bill.