Texas Senate Bill SB1115

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to reporting, standards, restrictions, and requirements regarding public school disciplinary actions.

Impact

The bill seeks to address the growing concern over the disproportionate application of disciplinary actions in schools, particularly against marginalized student populations. By imposing stricter reporting requirements and establishing minimum educational standards for disciplinary interventions such as in-school suspensions, SB1115 is aimed at reducing excessive disciplinary measures that can lead to negative educational outcomes and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. The potential positive implications draw support from educational advocacy groups who emphasize fair treatment for all students.

Summary

SB1115 relates to the standards, reporting, restrictions, and requirements surrounding public school disciplinary actions in Texas. It introduces significant amendments to the Education Code, specifically aiming to place limits on the suspension of students in open-enrollment charter schools to align with existing statutes. The bill mandates that specific data is reported concerning disciplinary actions, including details such as students’ race, sex, and whether they have disabilities, enabling the evaluation of potential disparities in how disciplinary measures are applied across different demographic groups.

Contention

Despite its intent to enhance accountability within school disciplinary systems, SB1115 faces criticism from some school district representatives who argue that the stringent reporting requirements may overwhelm administrative capabilities and lead to excessive scrutiny. Concerns have also been raised about how this legislation might limit schools' discretion in handling disciplinary issues, as schools may feel pressured to conform to new standards rather than addressing unique student needs effectively. The debate emphasizes the balance between ensuring student rights and maintaining school authority in disciplinary decisions.