Texas House Bill HB2678

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Voted on by House: 5/7/11
• Refer: 3/16/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/21/11
• Report Pass: 4/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 5/7/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/10/11
• Report Pass: 5/21/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to driver training and education.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2678 is bound to have significant implications on state laws regarding driver education and instructor qualifications. By mandating background checks, the bill seeks to reinforce public confidence in the safety of driver education programs. It also facilitates the potential for a centralized system of certification verification, which may enhance accountability among education providers. As such, it could improve the quality of education and reduce the risk of hiring instructors who may pose a danger to students.

Summary

House Bill 2678 aims to amend several provisions in the Education Code related to driver training and education in Texas. The bill introduces stricter regulations concerning the hiring and employment of driver education instructors, requiring schools to conduct a national criminal history review for all applicants and current instructors. This change is implemented to enhance the safety of driver education by ensuring that individuals with serious criminal backgrounds are not placed in positions of trust concerning young drivers. Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for issuing driver education certificates and certificate numbers, allowing for more secure and efficient tracking of certifications.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2678 revolves around the balance of safety and accessibility. While proponents argue that implementing rigorous screening processes is crucial for protecting students, critics have raised concerns about the potential for overly restrictive hiring practices that might limit the availability of qualified instructors. Moreover, the fiscal implications of maintaining extensive records and the administrative burden placed on driving schools could lead to opposition from the private driving education sector. These debates surrounding safety versus accessibility emphasize the necessity of finding solutions that do not hinder the goal of delivering effective and safe driver education.