Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2087

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to restricting the use of covered information, including student personally identifiable information, by an operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile application for a school purpose.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2087 would significantly alter how school districts allocate their resources toward safety and mental health services. The bill mandates that a portion of state education funding be specifically reserved for safety enhancements, thereby prioritizing student welfare. Furthermore, it requires schools to implement new mental health programs that align with best practices, thus ensuring consistency in the support provided to students. This could lead to a substantial shift in budgetary priorities at the district level, with potential implications for academic programs and overall educational funding.

Summary

House Bill 2087 focuses on enhancing school safety, particularly in the context of K-12 education. The bill introduces measures aimed at increasing funding for school safety initiatives, providing mental health resources, and establishing guidelines for emergency preparedness within school districts. The overarching goal is to create a safer environment for students and staff while promoting mental health awareness and intervention strategies. Proponents argue that these changes are critical to ensuring the well-being of students amid rising concerns over school violence and mental health issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2087 appears to be largely supportive, especially among educators, mental health advocates, and parents concerned about student safety. Many stakeholders express a sense of urgency regarding the need for improved measures to address safety in schools and provide adequate mental health resources. However, there are also concerns raised about the implications of funding earmarked for safety measures potentially diverting resources away from other critical educational needs. Overall, the bill tends to evoke a proactive sentiment aimed at ensuring student safety, while also balancing the challenges of resource allocation.

Contention

Despite broad support, there are points of contention related to the implementation of the bill's provisions. Critics are wary of the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed measures, with some arguing that simply increasing funding does not guarantee improved outcomes in school safety or mental health support. Additionally, there are worries about the increased role of law enforcement in schools, and whether this could lead to the criminalization of student behaviors rather than a focus on supportive interventions. As such, the discussions around HB 2087 reflect a broader debate on how best to tackle the intertwined issues of school safety and mental health in educational settings.

Companion Bills

TX SB1279

Identical Relating to restricting the use of covered information, including student personally identifiable information, by an operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile application for a school purpose.

Similar Bills

TX SB1279

Relating to restricting the use of covered information, including student personally identifiable information, by an operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile application for a school purpose.

TX SB1754

Relating to certain restrictions on the use of personally identifiable information pertaining to a public school student by an operator or educational entity.

FL H0699

Student Online Personal Information Protection

TX SB928

Relating to the protection of personally identifiable student information and the use of covered information by an operator or educational entity; authorizing a civil and administrative penalty.

IL SB2256

STUDENT ONLINE PERSONAL PROT

CT HB07017

An Act Concerning Student Data Privacy.

IN HB1389

Various education matters.

CT HB05469

An Act Concerning Student Data Privacy.