Louisiana House Bill HB283

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/19
• Refer: 3/28/19
• Refer: 4/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/14/19
• Refer: 5/15/19
• Report Pass: 5/21/19
• Engrossed: 5/27/19
• Refer: 5/28/19
• Report Pass: 5/31/19
• Refer: 5/31/19
• Refer: 6/1/19

Caption

Requires the use of video cameras in classrooms where special education services are provided to certain students with exceptionalities (RE1 INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The implications of HB 283 on state laws are significant, as it reflects a growing trend towards increased parental involvement in educational settings, particularly regarding transparency in how special education services are delivered. However, this bill raises questions about the balance between monitoring student behavior for the safety of both students and staff, and the potential invasion of privacy, as well as the legal issues related to data storage and access. Moreover, the requirement that data be confidential and not considered 'personally identifiable information' aims to alleviate some privacy concerns while still allowing necessary oversight.

Summary

House Bill 283 mandates the installation of video cameras in self-contained special education classrooms upon parental request. This bill defines a 'classroom' as a setting where the majority of students receive special education services for at least 50% of their instructional day. The governing authorities of public schools, including charter schools, are responsible for developing policies that govern the installation and operation of these cameras. These policies must include measures for ensuring the privacy of students and setting limitations on how the recorded data is handled and accessed.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 283 appears to be supportive among parents of children needing special education services, as they view the bill as a valuable tool for enhancing monitoring and accountability in classrooms. Conversely, educators and some privacy advocates express concerns regarding the implications of constant surveillance in classrooms. They argue that video monitoring might create an environment of distrust among teachers and impede their effectiveness. The discourse reveals a polarized view on how best to ensure the welfare of students while respecting the rights of both students and educators.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for misuse of recorded footage and the scope of parental access to the footage. While the bill sets guidelines for privacy and data retention, the actual implementation may vary across school districts, leading to inconsistent practices. Additionally, there is concern about the appropriateness of installing cameras in sensitive environments, such as restrooms or areas requiring high privacy. As the legislation stipulates that cameras cannot be placed in such areas, ensuring strict adherence to these guidelines will be crucial.