Texas House Bill HB2151

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to a grant program to promote good citizenship and anger management.

Impact

The introduction of HB2151 could significantly influence the way school districts approach behavioral and interpersonal education. By dedicating resources from fines to support the development of programs focusing on good citizenship and anger management, the bill aims to improve student behavior and reduce instances of violence in schools. Additionally, it mandates a competitive process for grant allocation, which could drive schools to create more effective and innovative programs to secure funding.

Summary

House Bill 2151 seeks to establish a 'Good Citizenship Account' within the general revenue fund, aimed at funding programs that promote good citizenship and anger management in Texas schools. The bill proposes that grants be awarded to school districts to implement programs that deter violence and enhance interpersonal skills among students. The funding for these grants would come from fines collected for specific misdemeanors, thereby tying financial resources for these programs directly to offender accountability.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around the bill appears to be positive, particularly among proponents who view it as a proactive measure to ensure a safer and more respectful educational environment. Supporters argue that by fostering good citizenship and anger management skills, schools can address behavioral issues before they escalate. However, there may also be concerns regarding the reliance on fines as a funding source, as it could disproportionately affect certain communities more than others.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the rules for grant eligibility and how strictly they will be enforced. Some critics might argue that tying program funding to fines could raise ethical concerns about the criminalization of youth behavior and the potential stigmatization of affected students. Additionally, discussions could emerge on the core effectiveness of such programs in genuinely reducing violence or conflict among students.