Relating to requiring a public institution of higher education to post on its Internet website a status report regarding certain disciplinary processes involving an incident of campus sexual assault.
Note
The bill specifies that information regarding a disciplinary process must remain accessible on the institution's website for at least 90 days post-conclusion and must be preserved indefinitely after removal. This provision reflects an effort to ensure ongoing accountability well after a case has been resolved, which adds a layer of permanence to the accountability measures provided in HB2918.
Impact
The implementation of HB2918 is expected to significantly influence state laws related to campus safety and institutional responsibility. By compelling schools to disclose details surrounding sexual assault disciplinary processes, the bill serves to empower students and parents with greater awareness of how accusations are addressed. Moreover, it encourages institutions to handle cases more diligently, knowing that their processes are under public scrutiny.
Summary
House Bill 2918 mandates that public institutions of higher education in Texas are required to publish a status report on their websites concerning disciplinary processes tied to incidents of campus sexual assault. This legislation aims to enhance accountability and transparency within educational institutions regarding how they handle such sensitive cases. The bill stipulates that each institution must update this report at least once a month, ensuring the information is readily accessible to the public.
Contention
There are potential points of contention linked to this bill, particularly concerning privacy and confidentiality. While the legislation emphasizes transparency by requiring the publication of certain details around disciplinary processes, it explicitly prohibits the identification of alleged perpetrators or victims. This measure, however, has raised discussions about the balance between transparency and the rights of individuals involved in such serious allegations. Furthermore, some may argue that these requirements could deter victims from reporting incidents out of fear of how the process is publicized.
Relating to signs posted by public institutions of higher education to facilitate the reporting of and to prevent incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.
Relating to the course information required to be posted on a public institution of higher education's Internet website; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the inclusion of the National Sexual Assault Hotline on certain student identification cards issued by a public institution of higher education.
Relating to the inclusion of the National Sexual Assault Hotline on certain student identification cards issued by a public institution of higher education.
Corrections: prisoners; good time system; modify. Amends sec. 33 of 1893 PA 118 (MCL 800.33) & repeals secs. 34 & 35 of 1893 PA 118 (MCL 800.34 & 800.35). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4468'23