Texas Senate Bill SB1304

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to school district reports concerning corporal punishment and the issuance of citations by a peace officer.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding disciplinary actions taken against students across Texas. By requiring detailed reports on corporal punishment, SB1304 seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how such disciplinary measures are applied and whether they disproportionately affect particular demographics. This foundational shift could inform future discussions and decisions regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of corporal punishment as a behavioral intervention in schools.

Summary

SB1304 addresses the protocol surrounding the use of corporal punishment within Texas school districts. Specifically, the bill mandates that any school district allowing corporal punishment must report detailed instances of its implementation within their Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) submissions. This includes reporting specific information about the student involved, such as age, sex, race or ethnicity, and special education eligibility, without revealing personally identifiable information, thereby adhering to privacy regulations set forth by federal law.

Contention

The discussion around SB1304 indicates some contention regarding the implementation of corporal punishment in schools. Advocates for banning or limiting corporal punishment argue that it can be harmful to students, especially those with special education needs, and may not be effective in addressing behavioral issues. Conversely, supporters of corporal punishment may view the bill as a necessary regulatory step to ensure such actions are justified and monitored, believing it to be an appropriate form of discipline in certain situations.