Texas House Bill HB1744

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a survey and report on campus safety at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1744 would require institutions of higher education to actively engage in collecting and reporting data regarding safety, thus fostering a more transparent environment regarding campus security issues. The bill seeks to produce actionable insights into the safety climate of institutions, potentially influencing policy reforms aimed at preventing crime, particularly sexual assaults. By involving students in the survey process, the legislation emphasizes the importance of their experiences and perspectives, which is expected to help shape better safety protocols across campuses.

Summary

House Bill 1744 aims to establish a comprehensive survey and reporting mechanism focused on campus safety at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill mandates each institution to submit an annual report detailing crime statistics, particularly related to sexual assault. It proposes that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board conduct an annual anonymous survey to assess both the prevalence of reported crimes and students' perceptions of safety on campuses. This legislative move is positioned as a step toward enhancing awareness and accountability regarding safety measures at higher education institutions.

Contention

Some points of contention regarding HB 1744 may stem from concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed measures in genuinely improving campus safety and the potential legal implications of data handling. Critics might argue that simply gathering data does not address the root causes of violence or enhance actual safety measures. There could also be apprehensions about the confidentiality of sensitive data collected during the survey, especially in light of federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Nonetheless, proponents believe that the increased focus on data collection is crucial for guiding future legislative and administrative actions regarding campus safety.