Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2060

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

Caption

Relating to the application of public information laws to campus police departments at private institutions of higher education.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2060 could significantly alter the way private institutions manage their campus police departments, especially regarding public access to information. By classifying campus police as governmental bodies under Chapter 552 of the Government Code, the bill ensures that the privacy and operational decisions of such departments must align with the standards set forth in public information laws. This is an important step for oversight, as it brings more uniformity to how law enforcement activities are conducted in higher education environments, whether public or private.

Summary

House Bill 2060 addresses the application of public information laws to campus police departments at private institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, the bill aims to designate these campus police departments as governmental bodies concerning their law enforcement activities. This means that any information related to their law enforcement functions will be subject to the Texas Public Information Act, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in how these departments operate.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2060 could stem from the concerns of private institutions regarding institutional autonomy. Critics of the bill may argue that imposing public information standards on private campus police departments could lead to potential conflicts between privacy rights and the operational needs of these departments. Supporters, however, assert that increased transparency is necessary for building trust and ensuring that campus safety measures are held to the same standards as those in public institutions.

Companion Bills

TX SB308

Identical Relating to the powers and duties of campus police departments at private institutions of higher education.

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 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 HB2280

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.

TX SB205

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.

TX SB118

Relating to the designation of polling place locations on the campuses of certain institutions of higher education.

TX HB4880

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education; providing a private cause of action.

TX HB2390

Relating to prohibiting the designation of polling place locations on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

TX HB1856

Relating to a firearms policy for campus peace officers commissioned by a public institution of higher education.

TX SB18

Relating to the tenure and employment of faculty members at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB920

Relating to the use of medication designated for treatment of respiratory distress on public and private school campuses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.