Texas House Bill HB460

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 12/22/08

Caption

Relating to the proximity of a school bus stop to the residence of a sex offender.

Impact

The legislation proposes changes to the Texas Education Code, amending existing regulations to incorporate new safety protocols related to public school transportation. If implemented, this bill would potentially alter the logistics of how school districts plan transportation routes and bus stop locations. The expectations might require additional planning and monitoring by school officials to ensure compliance with the new requirements, which could involve revising current transport frameworks and possibly increasing costs for districts adjusting to these regulations.

Summary

House Bill 460 addresses the safety of children regarding school bus stops in proximity to residences of sex offenders. The bill mandates that when school districts designate the location of bus stops, they must take into account the distance from the residence of individuals who are registered as sex offenders, according to Texas Code. This reflects an initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of students while they are waiting for school transportation. Specifically, it requires bus stops to be located at least 1,500 feet away from such residences, measured in a straight line from the nearest property line to the bus stop.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 460 is to promote child safety, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility and implications of such a mandate. Critics might argue that establishing a blanket distance requirement does not take into account the unique circumstances of individual districts or the potential scarcity of appropriate bus stop locations. Balancing safety with practicality in urban versus rural settings could lead to discussions about the efficacy and necessity of a strict 1,500-foot rule, highlighting the complexities in determining how best to protect students without imposing undue burdens on school districts.