Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB895

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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 implications of this bill on state law are significant as it specifically targets the relationship between public institutions and housing applicants. By allowing institutions to evaluate the criminal history of students or prospective students, the bill aims to enhance safety and security on campuses. Institutions will be allowed to decide who is eligible to live in on-campus housing based on their criminal background, potentially influencing campus community safety measures.

Summary

House Bill 895 focuses on the access rights of public institutions of higher education to the criminal history record information of individuals seeking to reside in on-campus housing. The bill amends existing laws to enable these institutions to obtain relevant criminal history information for current students or applicants who are applying for on-campus housing. It establishes parameters for how this information can be used and sets restrictions on its disclosure.

Contention

However, the bill raises notable points of contention regarding privacy and the potential for discrimination. Critics may argue that allowing institutions to access such sensitive information could lead to unwarranted bias against individuals with past criminal histories, even for relatively minor offenses. Concerns have been expressed regarding the destruction of criminal records after a certain period, as stipulated by the bill, which might not provide adequate oversight on how the institution uses this information.

Notable_points

Additionally, the bill specifies that criminal history information can only be used by the institution's chief of police or housing office, and it cannot be disclosed without consent or a court order, which could serve to mitigate some privacy concerns. The implementation of such measures may require institutions to develop clear policies and protocols to ensure compliance with these regulations, reflecting a broader legislative trend towards enhancing school safety and accountability.

Companion Bills

TX SB146

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4058

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.

TX HB4123

Relating to access to and use of certain criminal history record information.

TX HB3280

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.

TX HB164

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.

TX HB3338

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.

TX HB4736

Relating to the enrollment, including admission and resident status, of certain persons by public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1471

Relating to access by the Texas Education Agency and private schools to certain criminal history records.

TX HB5126

Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to publish certain online resources.

TX SB2519

Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to publish certain online resources.

TX HB3198

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.

Similar Bills

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TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

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CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

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NJ S3566

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CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.