Texas House Bill HB3501

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the placement of a student who is a moderate or high risk sex offender in a juvenile justice alternative education program or a disciplinary alternative education program with certain monitoring requirements.

Impact

This bill potentially creates a more structured framework for the handling of students with specific risk assessments related to sexual offenses. By formalizing the roles of educational institutions and juvenile boards, it aims to enhance student safety and streamline processes for student placements within these educational programs. The requirement for schools to provide monitoring ensures that students are supervised appropriately, which could serve to protect the welfare of other students and maintain a secure educational setting.

Summary

House Bill 3501 seeks to address the placement of students who are categorized as moderate or high-risk sex offenders within educational settings. The legislation amendments to the Education Code focus on the operation of juvenile justice alternative education programs and disciplinary alternative education programs. It mandates that school districts collaborate with juvenile boards to establish clear responsibilities and guidelines for the placement of such students, ensuring the effective oversight and management of their educational environments.

Contention

However, concerns may arise regarding the fairness and efficacy of classifying students solely based on risk assessments. Critics might argue that such measures could stigmatize students, hinder their educational opportunities, and disproportionately impact certain demographics. Additionally, there may be debates over the adequacy of supervision measures and whether they truly prevent potential risks or contribute to positive outcomes for affected students.