Relating to the offense of making or causing a false alarm or report involving a public or private institution of higher education.
Impact
The bill proposes that each institution of higher education must notify all enrolled students about the penalties for making false alarms or reports. This is aimed primarily at reducing instances of false alarms in educational contexts by ensuring that students are informed about the legal risks. The law distinguishes between various types of false reports – those affecting higher education institutions versus those involving primary or secondary schools, public utilities, or services which would incur harsher penalties classified as state jail felonies rather than simple Class A misdemeanors.
Summary
House Bill 1284 focuses on the offense of making or causing false alarms or reports related to public or private institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill specifically aims to enhance the awareness of penalties associated with such offenses by mandating that higher education institutions notify incoming students about the legal ramifications under Section 42.06 of the Penal Code. This legislation highlights the serious nature of false alarms, particularly in educational settings where panic or disruption can have severe consequences.
Contention
Discussions around HB 1284 may touch on concerns about freedom of speech and expression in educational environments, as well as the challenges institutions might face in effectively communicating these penalties to students. Critics may argue that such regulations could foster an atmosphere of fear regarding reporting suspicious activities, while supporters believe it is crucial to prevent the misuse of emergency systems. The expiration clauses in the bill, which limit certain requirements to specific dates, may also lead to debates about the bill's effectiveness and long-term applicability.
Relating to prohibiting the carrying, possession, or storage of a semiautomatic rifle on the campus of a public or private institution of higher education; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to studies or surveys on children's sexual behavior conducted at or by a public primary or secondary school or by a public or private institution of higher education or another person; creating criminal offenses; imposing civil penalties.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses committed on or near the premises of a day-care center, school, or postsecondary educational institution.
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 prosecution of the offense of possessing a weapon in certain prohibited places associated with schools or postsecondary educational institutions.
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.