Relating to the number of school marshals that may be appointed to serve on a public school campus or at a private school.
Impact
The enactment of HB 1387 will directly influence the regulations concerning school safety measures within Texas. By allowing an increased number of school marshals based on campus size, the bill attempts to bolster the security framework in schools, thus potentially improving the response to incidents and overall safety in educational environments. This adjustment may also lead to increased funding and resource allocation towards training and employing more school marshals as necessary, thereby reinforcing safety protocols across the state and aligning with broader initiatives to safeguard students in schools.
Summary
House Bill 1387 relates to the number of school marshals who may be appointed to serve on public or private school campuses. This bill seeks to amend the Education Code by allowing school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to appoint one or more school marshals for each campus, establishing parameters around the number of marshals based on student enrollment. Specifically, it states that appointments should not exceed the greater of one school marshal per 200 students or one marshal per building used for classroom instruction. The intention behind the bill aims to enhance school safety and ensure that adequate protective measures are in place in educational settings.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1387 is somewhat mixed, with supporters arguing that the increased presence of marshals will provide a critical layer of security within schools, fostering a safer educational atmosphere. Proponents highlight the necessity of being proactive in preventing incidents of violence. On the other hand, there are voices of concern regarding potential implications for student comfort and the feeling of being surveilled in educational spaces. Critics fear that an increased armed presence may not only change the school environment but can contribute to heightened anxiety among students and educational staff.
Contention
Notable points of contention related to the bill involve discussions about the appropriateness of armed personnel in school settings. Advocates for HB 1387 argue for increased security as a response to persistent school safety issues, while opponents caution against the potential normalization of militarized environments for learning. They argue that the focus should be on comprehensive preventative measures rather than increasing armed presence, which could lead to unintentional consequences affecting school climate and student well-being.
Relating to a memorandum of understanding between public or private primary or secondary schools authorizing a school marshal of one school to act as a school marshal at the other school during an event at which both schools participate.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to school marshals, including eligibility for appointment as a school marshal, licensure and training requirements, and school marshal uniforms or badges.
Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors and medication designated for treatment of respiratory distress on public and private school campuses.