Texas House Bill HB4584

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/9/23

Caption

Relating to a report required to be filed with the Public Education Information Management System by public schools.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4584 may lead to increased accountability for schools regarding their handling of bullying. By mandating biannual reports, the bill aims to ensure that educators and policymakers are informed about the prevalence of bullying in schools. The requirement for specific reporting on cyberbullying is particularly timely given the rise of digital communication among students, reinforcing the need for schools to address bullying in all its forms. This legislation may also encourage schools to adopt proactive measures to combat bullying, thus potentially impacting student safety and well-being in the classroom.

Summary

House Bill 4584 focuses on the reporting of bullying incidents in public schools, specifically through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). The bill requires each school district and open-enrollment charter school to report incidents of bullying biannually. A significant aspect of the bill is its emphasis on cyberbullying, necessitating schools to specify the number of reported bullying incidents that fall under this category when submitting their reports. The intention of this bill is to provide better data on bullying incidents, which can help schools and educators implement more effective anti-bullying strategies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4584 has been generally positive, with many stakeholders, including parents and educators, recognizing the importance of consistent reporting on bullying. Advocates for the bill believe that it will lead to improved understanding among school officials about the scope of bullying and cyberbullying within their institutions, ultimately aiding in the development of informed policies and intervention strategies. However, some concerns have been voiced regarding the feasibility of the reporting requirements and whether schools will have adequate resources to comply.

Contention

Notable points of contention primarily revolve around concerns about the administrative burden placed on schools to collect and report data biannually. Some opponents argue that the strict reporting schedule might overwhelm school staff, particularly in smaller districts with limited resources. There are also debates about the effectiveness of data collection as a sole means of addressing the complex issue of bullying. Critics suggest that without accompanying support measures and resources for educators to handle and prevent bullying, the legislation may not result in meaningful change.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: 009
  • Section: New Section