Texas House Bill HB336

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/21/08

Caption

Relating to the repeal of the requirement that school districts conduct emergency school bus evacuation training.

Impact

The impact of HB336 would primarily affect the established protocols concerning the safety training of students, particularly regarding evacuations during emergencies. Previously, the law mandated that school districts perform drills to ensure students understand evacuation procedures on school buses, which is intended to enhance student safety. By repealing this requirement, the state may see a shift in how local schools approach emergency preparedness and safety training, placing that decision more firmly in the hands of individual school districts and their governing bodies.

Summary

House Bill 336 is a legislative proposal aimed at repealing the requirement for school districts in Texas to conduct emergency school bus evacuation training. The bill seeks to eliminate this mandate to potentially allow school districts the flexibility to allocate resources differently, in light of varying priorities and needs. By repealing this requirement, the legislation aims to reduce the obligations placed on school districts, encouraging them to focus on other areas of educational concern.

Contention

While proponents of HB336 argue that the repeal could free up time and resources that could be better used for other educational purposes, critics may express concerns over the potential risks associated with fewer organized safety drills. An argument against the repeal centers on the importance of consistent emergency preparedness training, particularly for young students who may need repeated instruction to internalize safety protocols. Thus, the changes proposed by HB336 can lead to debates around student safety, local versus state control of regulations, and the overall priorities of educational funding and attention.