Relating to student harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying.
Impact
The amendments proposed by SB180 will significantly alter the management of bullying incidents in schools by requiring stricter reporting protocols. School principals are mandated to report instances of bullying to law enforcement when they reasonably believe the conduct constitutes assault or harassment. The law reinforces the obligation for school boards to develop and publicly share policies regarding bullying. This has implications for how incidents are handled, as schools will need to collaborate more closely with local authorities for serious cases.
Summary
Senate Bill 180, known as David's Law, addresses issues of student harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying within Texas schools. The bill enhances existing statutes by defining bullying more comprehensively, including both physical and cyber components. It articulates specific behaviors that constitute bullying, emphasizing power imbalances and the significant negative impact on a student's mental health. Additionally, it broadens the scope to include acts that occur off school property, provided they disrupt the educational environment or violate student rights.
Conclusion
Overall, SB180 aims to promote a safer and healthier educational environment by implementing robust anti-bullying measures. The law seeks to empower schools to take a more proactive stance against both bullying and cyberbullying, enhancing protections for all students while simultaneously engaging law enforcement in serious cases. The potential for increased oversight from school officials seeks to address long-standing issues of student harassment and violence in a more unified manner.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB180 include concerns about the potential overreach of school authorities in regulating student behavior, especially with regard to off-campus bullying. Critics argue that the bill might impose excessive regulations on students, infringing upon their personal freedoms and privacy, particularly concerning actions taken online. Supporters contend that the law is essential for protecting students and providing a clearer framework for addressing bullying effectively.
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 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.
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.