TX
Texas House Bill HB1394

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1394

Caption

Relating to immunity from certain disciplinary proceedings for a teacher's justified use of physical force.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1394 will specifically amend Section 22.0512 of the Texas Education Code, which governs disciplinary actions against educators. This amendment is expected to create a clearer legal framework for assessing the circumstances under which physical force may be considered justified. The bill aims to remove the potential for teachers to be penalized for using physical force appropriately, which supporters argue is critical for maintaining a safe learning environment. However, the bill's passage may also lead to broader implications regarding the definition of justified force and its application in schools.

Summary

House Bill 1394 aims to provide legal immunity for teachers in Texas regarding certain disciplinary proceedings related to their justified use of physical force. The bill seeks to amend existing laws to ensure that teachers can utilize physical force without fear of facing disciplinary actions from school districts or the State Board for Educator Certification, provided that such use is deemed justifiable. This legislative effort emphasizes the protection of educators who employ physical force in situations deemed necessary to maintain safety and order within educational settings.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 1394 have revealed a range of opinions among stakeholders. Proponents champion the bill as essential for empowering educators in their roles, allowing them to act decisively in scenarios where student safety is at stake. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the potential for abuse of this legislative protection, fearing it might lead to excessive use of force under ambiguous guidelines. Critics suggest that the bill could undermine student rights and accountability, leading to a culture where physical confrontations become normalized rather than addressed through alternative conflict resolution strategies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3546

Relating to the justified use of force by a school employee or volunteer against a student.

TX HB3605

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving agricultural land, including the justified use of force or deadly force to protect agricultural land from that conduct, and to civil liability arising out of certain justified threats to use force or deadly force; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4449

Relating to the establishment of a task force to study disciplinary practices and policies in public schools.

TX SB2395

Relating to the establishment of a task force to study disciplinary practices and policies in public schools.

TX SB2346

Relating to certain defenses to prosecution involving the justifiable use of force or threat of force.

TX HB1998

Relating to the regulation of physicians, the disciplinary authority of the Texas Medical Board, and the administration of the Texas Physician Health Program; increasing a criminal penalty; imposing a surcharge.

TX SB1834

Relating to disciplinary proceedings applicable to a crime laboratory or license holder investigated by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.

TX SB392

Relating to transparency in certain legal proceedings and contracts involving a school district and a limit on legal fees that may be spent by a school district in certain legal proceedings.

TX SB2083

Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular classroom and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.

TX HB516

Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.