Relating to the possession, use, or delivery of marihuana or e-cigarettes on or near public school property or at certain school events.
Impact
The most significant impact of HB 114 is its potential to reform discipline policies in schools across Texas. By removing the automatic expulsion requirement for certain offenses, the bill seeks to reduce the number of students funneled into disciplinary alternative education programs, which are currently overpopulated. The bill also extends regulations to e-cigarettes, requiring schools to confiscate these devices and report them to local law enforcement, ensuring a comprehensive approach to substance usage on school property.
Summary
House Bill 114, introduced by Representative Thompson, addresses the possession, use, or delivery of marihuana and e-cigarettes on or near public school property and at school events. The bill modifies existing laws that mandated expulsion for students found in possession of marijuana or under its influence while on school premises. Instead, the bill allows school administrators greater discretion in managing such situations, thereby aiming to alleviate the burden on alternative education programs that have been overwhelmed with nonviolent offenses. Instead of expulsion, it stipulates that students not expelled must participate in a drug awareness program.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 114 appears to be cautiously positive among educational stakeholders, with supporters highlighting the bill as a necessary adjustment in disciplinary practices that recognizes the complexities of student behaviors. However, there are concerns regarding the handling of substance use, particularly with e-cigarettes, as advocates for health and addiction recovery stress the importance of strict measures to curb youth vaping.
Contention
Notable points of contention in the discussions around HB 114 include the balance between maintaining school safety and giving students a second chance. Opponents raised issues about the risk of normalizing substance use in schools due to the less punitive measures proposed by the bill. Educational bodies and health advocacy groups are watching closely to see how the implementation of this bill might affect the landscape of substance use in schools and its long-term consequences on student health and safety.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 38. Health And Safety
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 464. Facilities Treating Persons With A Chemical Dependency
Section: New Section
Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substances Act
Section: New Section
Chapter 483. Dangerous Drugs
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Alcoholic Beverage Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Penal Code
Chapter 42. Disorderly Conduct And Related Offenses
Relating to the possession or use of marihuana or e-cigarettes on or near public school property or at certain school events; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the removal of a student from public school for the possession, use, or delivery of e-cigarettes on or near public school property or at certain school events.