Relating to authorizing the Texas School Safety Center to conduct random safety and security audits of public schools; authorizing a civil penalty.
Impact
If enacted, SB936 would amend existing sections of the Education Code to incorporate provisions for these audits. This adds a layer of oversight to school safety procedures, potentially leading to improved safety protocols across public schools in Texas. The bill requires cooperation from school districts, mandating them to grant access for audit purposes, which could foster more transparent safety practices. As a result, the legislation could influence the operational procedures of educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of a safe learning environment.
Summary
SB936 is a proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the safety and security of public schools in Texas by authorizing the Texas School Safety Center to conduct random safety and security audits of school districts. The bill outlines that these audits may include assessments of safety policies, inspections of records, interviews with stakeholders, and physical assessments of school facilities. Such comprehensive evaluations are intended to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure that safety measures are up to state standards.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB936 may include concerns about the imposition of civil penalties for district trustees or superintendents who obstruct these audits. The bill states that such obstruction could result in penalties ranging from $50 to $500 for each violation, leading to discussions on the appropriateness of these penalties and the potential for conflict between school administration and safety oversight authorities. Critics may argue that this could lead to tensions between maintaining school autonomy and complying with state-mandated safety protocols.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
Relating to emergency response protocols and safety and security audits developed by the Texas School Safety Center and Health and Human Services Commission for day-care centers.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting certain instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity; authorizing a civil penalty.
Relating to regulations and policies for entering or using a bathroom or changing facility in a public school; authorizing a civil penalty, authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including the establishment of a school safety grant program and a school safety plan implementation grant program, and the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the state school safety fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.