Texas House Bill HB101

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to the use of radio frequency identification technology to transmit information regarding public school students.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the policies surrounding student identification in Texas schools by limiting the scope of mandatory RFID technology usage. By requiring parental consent for a student’s use of such tracking methods, the bill acknowledges the need for privacy and autonomy in student identification. Additionally, it may set a precedent for how technology can be integrated into educational environments, particularly concerning data handling and student rights.

Summary

House Bill 101 is legislation aimed at regulating the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in public schools for student identification and tracking. The bill introduces provisions to prevent mandatory use of RFID devices unless authorized by the school district's board of trustees. Furthermore, if a parent or guardian requests that their child opt out of using such identification technology, schools are obligated to provide alternative identification methods without penalizing the student, ensuring that they can still participate in school activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 101 include concerns from various stakeholders regarding privacy issues and the potential implications of using RFID technology in schools. Proponents argue that RFID systems can streamline attendance tracking and enhance school safety through improved identification methods. However, opponents may view this as an infringement on students' privacy rights and question the necessity and ethics of monitoring students' locations via technology.