Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB721

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the insanity defense in a criminal case.

Impact

If enacted, SB721 is set to significantly change how state funds are distributed to public schools. The bill introduces measures to tie funding more closely to school performance, encouraging districts to innovate and improve their educational practices. This move is seen as necessary by supporters, who believe that by rewarding high-performers and directing support to underperforming schools, the overall quality of education in the state will improve. However, some districts worry about the implications of performance-based funding, fearing that it may penalize schools that are already struggling.

Summary

Senate Bill 721 focuses on education reform, aiming to enhance the funding and resources available for public schools while setting new state standards for curriculum development. The bill proposes to allocate additional state funds to districts that demonstrate low performance on standardized tests, thus targeting resources towards schools in need. Proponents of SB721 argue that this approach will help bridge the achievement gap and ensure that every student has access to quality education regardless of their school's current status.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB721 appears mixed. Supporters, including various educational advocacy groups, highlight the importance of equitable funding and the need to address disparities in school resources. They view the bill as a progressive step towards improving education for all students. Conversely, opponents raise concerns over the potential negative impact on schools with lower performance, suggesting that the focus on standardized testing could lead to a narrow curriculum and neglect critical areas of student development. This tension reflects broader debates on education reform and accountability.

Contention

A notable point of contention around SB721 involves the balance between state control and local governance within the education system. Opponents express concerns that increased state standards and funding mechanisms may undermine local school boards' ability to make decisions tailored to their communities’ needs. The debate underscores the ongoing struggle over how best to serve students while ensuring equitable access to resources across diverse districts.

Companion Bills

TX HB3765

Identical Relating to the insanity defense in a criminal case.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2972

Relating to persons who are acquitted by reason of insanity in a criminal case.

TX HB322

Relating to certain burdens of proof in determining a defendant's insanity in a criminal case.

TX SB395

Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or is otherwise harmful to children.

TX HB3847

Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or is otherwise harmful to children.

TX HB2602

Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or is otherwise harmful to children.

TX SB1007

Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or is otherwise harmful to children.

TX HB4056

Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or is otherwise harmful to children.

TX HB5283

Relating to requiring a pretrial hearing in a criminal case to determine whether a defendant's conduct was justified.

TX HB151

Relating to certain affirmative defenses to prosecution for the criminal offenses of sexual performance by a child and possession or promotion of child pornography.

TX HB3400

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.