Texas House Bill HB2022

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a public school student's right not to participate in or observe animal research.

Impact

The bill mandates that each school district must adopt a clear policy that accommodates students who choose not to engage in animal research. This includes making it compulsory for teachers to inform students about this policy and the specific courses that will involve animal research at the beginning of each school year. Importantly, for any student that opts out, teachers are required to provide alternative assignments that are designed to ensure that the students still acquire the intended learning outcomes without harming animals.

Summary

House Bill 2022 is aimed at enhancing the rights of public school students within the state of Texas concerning their participation in or observation of animal research activities in educational settings. This bill explicitly defines 'animal research' to include any activities that involve the use of deceased animals or practices that may harm living animals, such as dissection or surgical procedures. The intent of the bill is to empower students by allowing them to opt out of these activities without facing any penalties or discrimination from educators.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 2022 may bring to light varying opinions on the balance between educational practices and ethical considerations regarding animal treatment in schools. While proponents argue that it is essential to respect students' individual rights and ethical stances, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of these policies on educational rigor and the potential hindrance of hands-on learning experiences that could be critical in fields such as biology and veterinary science. As the bill progresses, it may face scrutiny regarding how alternative assignments effectively convey the same educational objectives as traditional animal research methods.