Texas Senate Bill SB356

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 12/12/08

Caption

Relating to the frequency and content of school bus emergency evacuation training.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to have positive implications for student safety on school buses. By mandating that students are regularly trained in emergency evacuation procedures, school districts will contribute significantly to preparedness in the event of an actual evacuation scenario. The training is designed to familiarize students with the school bus emergency exits and safe exiting protocols, thus reducing the risk of injury during an emergency. The requirement for the training records to be submitted to the Department of Public Safety further enhances accountability and standardization across districts.

Summary

SB356 seeks to enhance the safety of school bus passengers by amending the Education Code to require more frequent and comprehensive emergency evacuation training for students and teachers. The bill stipulates that school districts must conduct such training sessions at least twice per academic year, ensuring that a portion of the session takes place on an actual school bus and lasts for a minimum duration of one hour. Importantly, the new provisions also require a review of evacuation procedures immediately prior to each field trip involving transportation by school bus.

Contention

While SB356 introduces critical safety measures, there may be discussions surrounding the sufficiency of its requirements and the impact on school district resources. Some stakeholders could argue that requiring multiple training sessions per year may strain budgets and competing priorities within school districts, especially considering varying levels of funding and support. However, proponents may counter that enhanced safety measures are an essential allocation of resources when the lives of students are at stake.