Texas House Bill HB2285

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring a school district to report data regarding citations issued to and arrests made of students.

Impact

If implemented, HB2285 will not only focus on accountability for school districts but will also seek to address concerns related to racial profiling. The requirement for detailed demographic reporting may help in identifying trends or disparities in the treatment of students by law enforcement. Additionally, this legislation will necessitate that schools improve their reporting processes and potentially influence the relationships between schools and local law enforcement agencies, who may be involved in educating staff on these requirements.

Summary

House Bill 2285 requires school districts in Texas to report data regarding the citations issued to and arrests made of students. This bill aims to enhance transparency concerning student arrests and citations by mandating school superintendents to submit incident-based data. Reports must include various demographics such as age, gender, and race, as well as details about the nature of the offense and its location. This data collection is intended to provide a clearer picture of law enforcement interactions with students within the educational environment.

Contention

There are noteworthy points of contention surrounding the bill, primarily regarding privacy and the potential for misuse of the data collected. Critics may argue that the release of certain demographic information could inadvertently stigmatize certain student populations or lead to unintended consequences. Nonetheless, supporters advocate for increased oversight and believe that the benefits of transparency and data-driven decision-making will ultimately lead to improved student safety and equitable treatment in the educational system.