Texas House Bill HB348

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Filed: 11/29/10
• Out of House Committee: 4/13/11
• Introduced: 11/29/10
• Refer: 2/15/11
• Report Pass: 4/5/11

Caption

Relating to education and training for certain school district peace officers and school resource officers employed by a school district.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance the overall safety and security within Texas schools by ensuring that peace officers and resource officers are adequately trained in various necessary areas. The curriculum for this training program will include topics such as child and adolescent development, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention techniques, among others. By doing so, the legislation seeks to prepare school officers to handle diverse situations effectively, thereby fostering a safer school environment for students and staff alike.

Summary

House Bill 348 focuses on the education and training requirements for school district peace officers and school resource officers employed by school districts in Texas. The bill stipulates that these officers must complete a minimum 16-hour education and training program approved by the corresponding commission to serve in their designated capacities. This requirement ensures that all officers have the necessary skills and knowledge before being assigned roles that involve interaction with students and educational staff.

Contention

While the intent of HB348 is to improve training for law enforcement officers within schools, there are potential points of contention. Critics may argue that the requirements could lead to staffing shortages if there are not enough qualified officers available to meet increased training demands. Another concern might be related to the costs associated with these training programs, both for school districts and the officers themselves, which may affect budgets allocated for educational resources and other essential services. Additionally, some may question the sufficiency of the training provided and whether it actually prepares officers for the multifaceted nature of school environments.