Texas House Bill HB2244

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a workgroup to examine the implementation of dating violence awareness and education programs in public schools.

Impact

By requiring the establishment of this workgroup, HB2244 seeks to address the critical issue of dating violence among adolescents, specifically by improving educational frameworks surrounding this topic. The bill emphasizes collaboration among different stakeholders including educators, school boards, and family violence advocacy organizations. Through its implementation, the bill is poised to influence policies and practices at the local school district level, promoting a comprehensive approach to preventing dating violence through awareness and education.

Summary

House Bill 2244 establishes a workgroup aimed at examining the implementation of dating violence awareness and education programs within Texas public schools. The bill mandates that the Texas Education Code be updated to include specific provisions for this workgroup, which will consist of diverse members from various educational and advocacy organizations. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the existing dating violence policy and ensure that it is effectively applied across middle schools statewide. The recommendations from this workgroup are expected to target the methods of training provided to students, parents, educators, and school administrators regarding dating violence awareness.

Contention

Some potential points of contention regarding HB2244 may arise from debates over the effectiveness of such programs, concerns about funding and resources for implementation, and the methods utilized in providing education on dating violence. Critics might argue that there are existing programs that may not be fully funded or utilized, raising questions about the necessity of creating new workgroups as proposed in the bill. Additionally, there could be divides on how to best approach the sensitive nature of dating violence education within schools, which may lead to differing opinions among stakeholders regarding content and delivery of such programs.