Texas House Bill HB676

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to School Bus Safety Week in public schools.

Impact

Under HB676, by September 1, 2015, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is required to develop the safety program to be executed during School Bus Safety Week. Schools will be tasked with delivering this program to students across all grade levels, while also encouraging parental and community participation. This legislative measure signifies a proactive approach to promoting safety and potentially reducing incidents related to school bus transit, which has historically been a concern for many districts.

Summary

HB676, introduced by Representative Longoria, aims to establish a designated week for School Bus Safety in Texas public schools. Specifically, the bill proposes that the third full week in October be recognized as School Bus Safety Week. This initiative is intended to enhance education and awareness concerning the importance of school bus safety, targeting students as well as the broader community. The bill mandates the Texas Education Agency, in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, to create a comprehensive school bus safety program that will be implemented in public schools.

Contention

While the bill's objective to elevate school bus safety awareness is generally supported, one point of contention is the logistics of its implementation across various school districts. Concerns may arise regarding the allocation of resources and time for schools already burdened with educational mandates. Moreover, the requirement for community involvement could pose challenges in districts with varying levels of parental engagement, highlighting the need for additional support to ensure the program's effectiveness.