Relating to access by a public institution of higher education to the criminal history record information of certain persons seeking to reside in on-campus housing.
Impact
The changes instituted by SB 568 are expected to have significant implications for residency application processes within Texas public higher education institutions. By allowing access to criminal history records, schools can adopt a more stringent assessment of individuals applying for shared living environments, thus aiming to reduce risks associated with housing placements. This measure applies to any applications subsequent to the bill's effective date, establishing a new standard for how institutions engage with applicants' backgrounds.
Summary
Senate Bill 568 focuses on the access that public institutions of higher education have to the criminal history records of those applying for on-campus housing. This bill amends the Government Code to allow institutions to obtain relevant criminal history information from the Department of Public Safety regarding students or applicants looking to reside in these facilities. The intent is to enhance safety protocols by ensuring that potential residents of on-campus housing are appropriately vetted before gaining access.
Contention
While proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step for student safety and that it will provide institutions with the information needed to make informed decisions about housing assignments, there may be concerns regarding privacy and fairness. Critics may contend that access to such information could lead to discriminatory practices or unjust exclusions of students based on past offenses that may not reflect their current character. The limitations on the release of this information also raise important considerations regarding transparency and accountability in how such sensitive data is handled.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.
Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.