Texas House Bill HB1740

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/23/11
• Refer: 3/3/11

Caption

Relating to providing information to parents regarding changes in state law affecting public school students.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1740 would involve amending Chapter 26 of the Education Code by adding Section 26.015. This section obligates the designated agency to create a user-friendly document that explains changes in state law in a manner accessible to parents. The document could serve as part of student handbooks and needs to be distributed by school districts and charter schools at the beginning of each academic year. It is intended to be a practical tool for parents, focusing on actions they can take to positively influence their child's education based on the legislative updates.

Summary

House Bill 1740 seeks to enhance communication with parents by mandating the provision of information regarding significant changes in state law that affect public school students. The bill requires that educational agencies prepare a detailed document outlining these changes after each legislative session, ensuring that parents are informed about any relevant laws and how they impact their children's education. This initiative emphasizes the importance of parental engagement and aims to provide parents with necessary information to advocate for their children's educational needs effectively.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1740 has been positive, seen as a proactive step towards fostering greater transparency and communication between schools and families. Supporters argue that by providing parents with timely and understandable information about changes in state law, the bill enhances parental involvement and ensures that families are equipped to navigate the educational landscape more effectively. Educational advocates and parents alike have expressed approval of initiatives that promote greater awareness of legislative developments affecting public schools.

Contention

Despite the positive reception, there may be concerns regarding the practicality of implementing such a mandate, particularly regarding the agency's ability to collate and distribute the required information promptly. Opponents may highlight potential bureaucratic challenges or the risk that the information may not reach all parents effectively. Additionally, questions may arise about the sufficiency of the resources allocated for this initiative to ensure thorough compliance across all school districts and charter schools.