Texas Senate Bill SB1360

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to notice of certain criminal conduct by a student or employee of a public or private institution of higher education in this state; authorizing a civil penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB1360 could significantly alter the operational procedures of higher education institutions in regard to criminal incidents. The bill establishes legal obligations for institutions to report criminal activities that may put the security of the institution, its affiliated political subdivisions, or state security at risk. By emphasizing the importance of timely reporting, the bill aims to promote transparency and instill confidence in public safety measures within educational environments. Moreover, institutions that fail to comply with these reporting requirements risk incurring substantial civil penalties, structured to be as high as $20,000 for each violation.

Summary

Senate Bill 1360 aims to improve the communication protocols regarding criminal conduct associated with students or employees of higher education institutions in Texas. The bill mandates that if a conviction, indictment, or any form of criminal charge is reported to an institution, the designated authority is required to report this information promptly to the institution's president. This information must then be relayed to various state officials, including the governor and legislative committee leaders overseeing higher education matters. The requirements outlined in SB1360 are geared towards enhancing student safety and institutional accountability in Texas's educational settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1360 appears to generally lean towards supporting enhanced security measures within higher education frameworks. Proponents argue that the bill strengthens institutional accountability and proactively addresses potential safety threats posed by criminal conduct. However, there are concerns about the implications of increased reporting requirements, which some critics suggest could lead to challenges such as potential misinterpretation of incidents or misuse of sensitive information. Institutional leaders may face dilemmas regarding privacy, particularly concerning individuals who have not been convicted, as information must be handled delicately in order to avoid negative repercussions on innocent individuals.

Contention

A notable point of contention pertains to the potential impact of these new civil penalties on public and private institutions. Some fear that the civil penalty provisions may create a disincentive for institutions to properly assess and report incidents, as the implications of a false report or misinterpretation may carry significant financial burdens. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the balance between transparency and the protection of sensitive information. The need to redact names of suspects who have not faced formal charges or convictions posits an ongoing challenge that could complicate the intended outcomes of this legislation.