Relating to student harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying.
Impact
The bill specifically impacts sections of the Education Code related to student conduct, extending the reach of anti-bullying policies beyond school grounds and events. By defining bullying to include cyberbullying that disrupts the educational process, schools are tasked with a broader responsibility to monitor and address misconduct affecting student welfare. This change also poses challenges for schools in implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies, as they must navigate incidents that often occur outside traditional school environments.
Summary
House Bill 305, also known as David's Law, aims to address the pressing issues of student harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying within Texas educational systems. The bill amends the Education Code to enhance the definitions and procedures related to bullying and cyberbullying, making explicit that such behaviors can occur both on and off school property, as well as through electronic means. This legislation seeks to establish clearer guidelines for schools to identify, report, and mitigate bullying incidents, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and mental health of students in Texas schools.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 305 focus on the implications of enforcing these new definitions and reporting requirements. Some educators and parents have expressed concern about the potential for increased administrative burdens on schools and the vagueness of what constitutes cyberbullying. Others argue that without stringent guidelines and training, schools may struggle to sufficiently address these issues, leading to inconsistent enforcement of the law. The bill emphasizes zero tolerance towards bullying, which could lead to severe outcomes for students found in violation, especially in cases involving threats or sharing intimate materials, raising debates about fairness and due process in disciplinary actions.
Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.
Relating to accelerated and supplemental instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments and access to criminal history record information for certain tutors providing that instruction.
Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular educational environment, including parental rights related to that transition, and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students; authorizing a civil remedy.
Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.