Texas House Bill HB3658

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to drug or alcohol overdose awareness and response training for residential advisors and officers of student organizations at public or private institutions of higher education.

Impact

The implementation of HB3658 is expected to significantly impact the training requirements for residential advisors and student organization leaders starting from the 2019-2020 academic year. Institutions will be required to incorporate overdose awareness and appropriate response training into their existing educational programs for these key student roles. The legislation reflects an increasing recognition of the challenges posed by substance use on college campuses and aims to empower students and staff with the skills necessary to manage these situations effectively.

Summary

House Bill 3658 aims to enhance safety protocols in public and private institutions of higher education by mandating drug and alcohol overdose awareness and response training for residential advisors and officers of student organizations. This bill addresses the critical need for informed responses to potential overdose situations within campuses, recognizing that residential advisors play a pivotal role in the welfare of students living in communal environments. By integrating this training into mandatory programs, the bill seeks to create a more supportive and responsive educational atmosphere.

Contention

While HB3658 is largely seen as a positive move toward improving student safety, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the adequacy of the training provided and whether it fully addresses the complexities of drug and alcohol use issues among students. Additionally, there may be debates concerning the resource allocation for implementing this training smoothly within existing educational frameworks, especially in institutions with limited budgets or support structures. The bill presents an opportunity for educational institutions to not only adhere to legal mandates but also to promote a holistic approach to student health and well-being.