Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2323

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

Caption

Relating to mandatory spinal screenings for children in certain grades attending public or private schools.

Impact

The impact of HB2323 on state laws includes an amendment to the Health and Safety Code, which necessitates that all public and private schools in Texas conduct mandatory spinal screenings for the specified grades. This change indicates a heightened emphasis on children's health and preventative care within the education system. By mandating these screenings, the bill aims to address potential health issues early, thereby improving overall public health outcomes for children in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2323 mandates spinal screenings for children in specific grades attending public and private schools in Texas. Specifically, the bill requires that female students in grades 5 and 7, and male students in grade 8 undergo these screenings. The Texas Education Agency, in collaboration with the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, is tasked with adopting the necessary rules for implementing this requirement. The screenings are expected to start from the 2016-2017 school year following the bill's passage.

Sentiment

General sentiment around the bill appears to be supportive, especially from health advocacy groups and educational organizations that promote proactive health measures for children. The requirement for spinal screenings is likely to be viewed positively in the context of preventative healthcare, aligning with broader public health initiatives aimed at ensuring children's well-being. However, there might be concerns regarding the implementation logistics, potential costs for schools, and parental consent requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2323 likely involve discussions about the authority of educational and health agencies in mandating health screenings for children. While the intentions are generally viewed as beneficial, opponents may question the effectiveness of mandatory screenings versus voluntary programs, as well as the potential for overreach into parental rights regarding children's healthcare decisions. Additionally, concerns might be raised about the funding and resources required for schools to effectively conduct these screenings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1297

Relating to vision screenings for students in public or private school.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB4230

Relating to class size limits for certain grade levels in public schools.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

TX HB2891

Relating to the use of glucagon medication on certain public and private school campuses.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB195

Relating to provisions and plans by public schools to ensure the safety of individuals with disabilities or impairments during a mandatory school drill or a disaster or emergency situation.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.