Texas Senate Bill SB1660

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the School Safety Advisory Council and School Safety Certification Program.

Impact

The bill is set to alter state laws concerning the safety frameworks within which school districts operate. Specifically, it encourages these districts to incorporate stringent security measures and emergency preparedness drills into their operational plans. The certification program will serve as a benchmark for evaluating and validating school safety measures, ensuring schools conform to the pre-determined standards laid out by the council's recommendations. This could lead to more uniform safety practices across school districts, potentially decreasing vulnerability to emergencies.

Summary

SB1660 is a legislative act aimed at establishing the School Safety Advisory Council and the School Safety Certification Program in Texas. The bill mandates the creation of a council comprising various heads or designees from agencies related to emergency management and school safety. The council is tasked with studying and recommending best practices for emergency operations planning in schools, thereby enhancing safety protocols across educational institutions in Texas.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB1660 appears to be supportive, particularly among proponents of enhanced school safety measures. Many constituents and lawmakers view the establishment of a dedicated council as a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns in schools. However, there are likely some reservations stemming from concerns over funding and the implementation of the proposed safety protocols.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the budget implications of establishing a new council and the potential for compliance burdens on school districts already facing resource constraints. Critics may argue that the bill could unintentionally divert funds from other essential educational programs. Thus, while the intent is to bolster school safety, the logistical and financial aspects of implementing the recommendations could spark debate among stakeholders.