TX
Texas House Bill HB420

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB420

Caption

Relating to corporal punishment in public schools.

Impact

The implications of HB 420 are substantial for educational policy in Texas. By disabling the legality of physical disciplinary actions within schools, the bill aims to protect students from potential abuse and encourage alternative methods of behavior management. The legislation aligns with broader trends across the nation, where there is a growing movement away from corporal punishment in educational settings and towards positive behavioral interventions. Furthermore, the repeal of any existing laws permitting such punishment could lead to widespread curriculum changes in teacher training programs, emphasizing conflict resolution and student support strategies instead of punitive measures.

Summary

House Bill 420 seeks to amend laws regarding corporal punishment in public schools in Texas. Under this legislation, corporal punishment is defined as any form of physical pain inflicted on a student as punishment for behavioral infractions. The bill explicitly prohibits school district employees, as well as volunteers and independent contractors, from administering corporal punishment to students. This marks a significant shift in disciplinary policies aimed at promoting a safer and more supportive educational environment for students. The bill underscores the importance of considering the welfare and rights of students within the public school system.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at promoting student welfare, discussions surrounding its passing reveal points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters argue that it is an essential step toward modernizing educational practices and reducing instances of abuse. Critics, however, raise concerns regarding the loss of traditional disciplinary methods and question how schools will handle severe behavioral issues without the option of corporal punishment. The divide encapsulates a broader debate on educational authority and the most effective strategies for maintaining discipline while safeguarding student rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB772

Relating to corporal punishment in public schools.

TX HB272

Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.

TX SB1539

Relating to the terminology used to refer to an individualized education program team.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB4449

Relating to the establishment of a task force to study disciplinary practices and policies in public schools.

TX SB2395

Relating to the establishment of a task force to study disciplinary practices and policies in public schools.

Similar Bills

TX SB1494

Relating to the educational needs of homeless students.

TX HB1709

Relating to the appointment of a surrogate parent for certain children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB396

Relating to corporal punishment in public schools.

TX SB2399

Relating to the appointment of a surrogate parent for certain children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB166

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

TX HB1415

Relating to corporal punishment in public schools.

TX HB772

Relating to corporal punishment in public schools.

TX HB3879

Relating to corporal punishment in public schools.