a simple prop

Texas has joined the ranks of ID-friendly states. HB 2454 was introduced earlier this month and plays off the tired old Expelled theme:

“An institution of higher education may not discriminate against or penalize in any manner, especially with regard to employment or academic support, a faculty member or student based on the faculty member’s or student’s conduct of research relating to the theory of intelligent design or other alternate theories of the origination and development of organisms.”

NCSE is reporting that Kentucky HB 169 has died in committee.

To summarize so far:

• Florida SB 1854
• Missouri HB 195
• Tennessee SB 893
• Oklahoma SB 554 and HB 1551 – both dead
• New Mexico HB 302 – dead
• Kentucky HB 169 – dead

It’s like playing Whac-a-Mole. Florida Senate Bill 1854 would require “[a] thorough presentation and critical analysis of the scientific theory of evolution” in the state’s public schools. NCSE has more.

NCSE is reporting that SB 554 appears to have died in committee, joining its little buddy HB 1551 in the Bryan Memorial Home for Anti-Evolutionist Legislation. The state of play thusfar in 2011 is:

• Kentucky HB 169
• Missouri HB 195
• Oklahoma SB 554 and HB 1551 – both dead
• New Mexico HB 302 – dead
• Tennessee HB 368 and SB 893

NCSE’s headline says it all: “Antievolution bill loses in committee in Oklahoma“

Oh look! A second anti-evolution bill in Tennessee. They’re taking a belt and braces approach to this apparently. This one (SB 893 PDF) would require authorities to “assist teachers to find effective ways to present the science curriculum as it addresses scientific controversies” such as “biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming, and human cloning.” It would permit teachers to “help students understand, analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories covered in the course being taught.” Haven’t we seen this before?