Texas House Bill HB990

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prohibition of corporal punishment as a method of student discipline.

Impact

If enacted, HB 990 would significantly change the disciplinary landscape for Texas schools, mandating that educators cannot employ corporal punishment under any circumstance without prior written permission. This act would reinforce existing protections for students, aligning state regulations with contemporary views on education and discipline, shifting the focus towards restorative practices and counseling instead of punitive physical measures.

Summary

House Bill 990 proposes to prohibit corporal punishment as a method of student discipline within Texas educational institutions. The bill seeks to amend the Texas Education Code by establishing clearer guidelines against the use of corporal punishment, effectively reinforcing the rights of students and promoting alternative disciplinary measures. The proposed changes aim to create a safer environment for all students by eliminating physical punishment from the educational discipline framework.

Contention

Discussions around HB 990 have pointed to notable contention among lawmakers. Supporters argue that eliminating corporal punishment is a necessary step to modernize educational discipline and protect students' rights, while opponents may argue that some forms of corporal punishment can be necessary for maintaining order and discipline in schools. Furthermore, there is concern regarding the autonomy of local schools to implement their own policies regarding student discipline, which raises questions about local versus state governance.