Relating to requiring a single entrance to a public school campus; creating a criminal offense.
Impact
If passed, HB1370 would result in significant changes to existing school safety protocols. It would amend the Education Code in Texas to define specific expectations for school districts in terms of physical access to their campuses. The new regulations would require clearly marked signage on all non-designated doors and would promote a culture of safety by deterring unauthorized entry. Additionally, the bill specifies exemptions for designated personnel, such as peace officers or emergency responders, ensuring that necessary access remains available in emergency situations.
Summary
House Bill 1370 aims to enhance security at public school campuses by mandating that each school district or open-enrollment charter school adopt a policy that limits public entry to a single designated entrance. This proposal is designed to bolster safety measures by ensuring that all external doors to the school campus are closed and locked, thereby restricting unauthorized access. The bill further establishes that a person who knowingly opens an unauthorized door for entry, or leaves such a door open, may face criminal charges, which could be classified as a state jail felony.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB1370 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among legislators and community members who prioritize school safety. Advocates argue that the legislation will significantly reduce potential risks associated with open campus access, especially in a concerning climate where school security is of paramount importance. However, there may also be concerns about the implications of such restrictions on community access and the unintended consequences of criminalizing behavior that could be viewed as an attempt to provide assistance or support within school environments.
Contention
Notable points of contention likely revolve around the balance between security and accessibility. Some critics may express concerns that overly stringent access controls could hinder community involvement in schools, especially in emergencies. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the implications of criminalizing the act of opening unauthorized doors; opponents may argue this could lead to disproportionate consequences for individuals acting out of goodwill. The overarching debate will likely focus on the effectiveness of such measures in genuinely enhancing safety without inadvertently criminalizing innocent behavior.
Relating to public school safety measures, access to mental health professionals in public schools and during certain emergencies, access to criminal history and mental health records, and access to firearms; requiring a certificate for employment as a school behavioral counselor; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors on public school and open-enrollment charter school campuses and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to the reporting and investigation of misconduct by public and private school employees; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.
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 the carrying of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing the firearm and to criminal offenses otherwise related to the carrying of a firearm; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the carrying of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing the firearm and to criminal offenses otherwise related to the carrying of a firearm; creating criminal offenses.