Texas House Bill HB2831

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the offense of improper relationship between educator and student.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2831 will likely strengthen the legal framework intended to protect students from inappropriate relationships with educators. By updating the definitions and stipulations regarding improper relationships, the law aims to create a more secure atmosphere for students within both public and private educational institutions. Furthermore, the shift towards clearer legal definitions is designed to facilitate prosecution in such cases, thereby reinforcing the seriousness of these offenses.

Summary

House Bill 2831 addresses the offense of improper relationships between educators and students by amending Section 21.12 of the Texas Penal Code. The bill specifically details the actions that constitute an offense for school employees, including sexual contact or intercourse with students enrolled in their school and prohibits such conduct regardless of the student's age. This legislative step underscores the emphasis on upholding student safety within educational environments and clarifies legal definitions associated with these offenses.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 2831 may arise concerning the presumed legal interpretations and enforcement mechanisms associated with the new definitions. Critics might argue that while the bill bolsters student protections, it could also create scenarios where innocent interactions between educators and students could be misinterpreted as improper. Additionally, concerns about the subjective nature of what constitutes 'improper relationships' could lead to legal ambiguities and challenges in court, with implications for due process rights for educators accused under the revised provisions.