Texas House Bill HJR147

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the health and safety of public school students and staff.

Impact

A significant impact of HJR147 is its provision that prohibits the legislature or any state agency from withholding funding from independent school districts or charter schools based on decisions made regarding halting in-person learning due to health concerns. This clause ensures that school authorities have the necessary financial support to prioritize the safety of their students and staff in times of public health crises, thus reinforcing local control over educational environments.

Summary

HJR147 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to protect the health and safety of students and staff within public schools in Texas. The resolution emphasizes that decisions related to health and safety are to be primarily managed by the boards of trustees of independent school districts and the governing bodies of charter schools. This local governance approach is intended to empower educational institutions to make decisions based on the specific health needs of their communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR147 include concerns from some lawmakers about the implications of granting such broad local control over health and safety decisions. Critics may argue that while local autonomy is crucial, it could lead to inconsistent policies across the state regarding health protocols, ultimately jeopardizing the overall safety of public school students. Additionally, there may be fears that this resolution could conflict with state mandates regarding public health during emergencies, leading to potential disparities in how health crises are addressed in various districts.