Texas House Bill HB1096

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to establish a policy and prevention and outreach program on campus sexual assault, family violence, and stalking.

Impact

If implemented, this bill will significantly influence the policies and procedures within Texas colleges and universities. Each institution will be required to develop a campus safety policy that includes not only the definitions and sanctions but also outreach and prevention strategies. The bill emphasizes ongoing review and compliance, making it mandatory for institutions to adjust their policies biennially, ensuring they remain effective and responsive to new challenges in campus safety.

Summary

House Bill 1096 addresses critical issues of campus safety by mandating all public institutions of higher education in Texas to implement comprehensive policies and prevention programs focused on sexual assault, family violence, and stalking. The bill outlines specific requirements for these institutions to develop and adopt clear definitions of prohibited behaviors, sanctions for violations, and protocols for reporting incidents. This initiative aims to create safer campus environments and provide students with essential information regarding their rights and responsibilities.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 1096 is its provisions regarding state funding. The bill stipulates that institutions failing to comply with the established requirements could face a loss of state funding, raising concerns among some legislators and educational leaders about the financial implications of such penalties. Critics argue that this could disproportionately affect already vulnerable institutions, potentially undermining their ability to provide quality education while grappling with compliance costs. The balance between ensuring campus safety and maintaining institutional autonomy is a central theme in the ongoing discussions regarding this legislation.