Texas House Bill HB2230

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring certain public and private institutions of higher education to provide amnesty to students who report incidents of sexual assault.

Impact

If passed, this bill would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding student conduct policies in Texas. It targets both public and private institutions of higher education, enforcing a protective policy that empowers students to report sexual assault without the anxiety of facing discipline for associated conduct violations. This initiative aligns with broader national movements to address sexual assault on campuses and aims to create a more supportive framework for victim and witness reporting, which is crucial for campus safety and justice.

Summary

House Bill 2230 seeks to amend the Education Code by introducing measures that provide amnesty to students who report incidents of sexual assault. This bill is aimed at encouraging a safer environment for students in postsecondary institutions by removing the fear of disciplinary action against students for violations of conduct policies that occur in relation to reporting such incidents. The language of the bill clarifies that no punitive measures can be taken against students simply for coming forward as witnesses or victims of sexual assault, regardless of where the incident took place or the outcome of investigations.

Contention

While the bill carries intentions of increasing student protection, it may also raise concerns among educational institutions about the implications for their disciplinary processes. Critics might argue that the absence of disciplinary measures may lead to abuses of the system or hinder the enforcement of conduct policies. As the bill requires institutions to adopt rules for its implementation, there may be further discussions regarding the balance between encouraging reporting and maintaining responsible conduct on campuses.