Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1735

Caption

Relating to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking at public and private postsecondary educational institutions; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB1735 will significantly impact how postsecondary institutions manage allegations of sexual misconduct. The bill enables administrative penalties of up to $2 million for institutions that do not comply with the established policies, which may compel schools to prioritize student safety and adherence to these new regulations. Additionally, it provides amnesty for students who report incidents, ensuring that they are not penalized for code of conduct violations related to their reports. This aspect of the bill aims to promote a culture where victims feel able to report incidents without the fear of repercussions.

Summary

House Bill 1735 addresses critical issues of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking within public and private postsecondary educational institutions in Texas. The bill mandates that institutions develop comprehensive policies that define prohibited behaviors, outline reporting procedures, and establish sanctions for violations. Notably, the bill emphasizes the creation of a safe environment for victims to come forward, by ensuring confidentiality and encouraging supportive measures during investigations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1735 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for student safety and victim rights. Many stakeholders recognize the legislation as a positive step towards addressing campus safety and violence against students. However, there are concerns about the implementation of these policies and their adequacy in genuinely protecting students while ensuring fair processes for all parties involved.

Contention

One point of contention related to HB1735 involves the balance between student privacy and the need for thorough investigations of reported incidents. Some critics may argue that the bill's provisions on confidentiality could hinder the institution's ability to take necessary actions against perpetrators. Moreover, the level of funding from penalties for institutions, which is aimed at supporting sexual assault programs, raises questions about whether it will effectively address the needs of victims and contribute to preventive measures within educational environments.

Companion Bills

TX SB585

Same As Relating to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking at public and private postsecondary educational institutions; providing an administrative penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3788

Relating to school district policies on dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB3627

Relating to signs posted by public institutions of higher education to facilitate the reporting of and to prevent incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

TX HB79

Relating to employment leave for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

TX HB4017

Relating to human sexuality education in public schools.

TX SB1325

Relating to the notice given to certain victims of family violence, stalking, harassment, or terroristic threat.

TX HB2229

Relating to the notice given to certain victims of family violence, stalking, harassment, or terroristic threat.

TX SB1401

Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.

TX HB2668

Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.

TX SB1072

Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.

TX HB2395

Relating to the duties of peace officers regarding interactions with victims of sexual assault.

Similar Bills

TX HB16

Relating to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking at public and private postsecondary educational institutions.

TX SB585

Relating to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking at public and private postsecondary educational institutions; providing an administrative penalty.

TX SB212

Relating to a reporting requirement for certain incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking at certain public and private institutions of higher education; creating a criminal offense; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX HB3814

Relating to a reporting requirement for certain incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking at certain public and private institutions of higher education; creating a criminal offense; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX SB29

Relating to a reporting requirement for certain incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking at certain public and private institutions of higher education; creating a criminal offense; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX SB576

Relating to a reporting requirement for certain incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking at certain public and private institutions of higher education; creating a criminal offense; authorizing administrative penalties.

PA HB1279

In sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking education, prevention and response at institutions of higher education and private licensed schools, further providing for scope of article, for definitions, for education program and for follow-up and providing for staff training and for enforcement and penalties; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system, providing for sexual misconduct climate surveys, establishing the Task Force on Postsecondary Sexual Misconduct and providing for confidential resource advisors, for waivers for student victims, for data reporting requirements and for enforcement and penalties; and making editorial changes.

LA SB230

Provides relative to power-based violence on college and university campuses. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)