Texas House Bill HB973

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to school district compliance with certain school safety measures; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would add a significant administrative layer to the oversight of school district safety regulations. By imposing a financial penalty for noncompliance, the bill aims to incentivize school districts to strictly adhere to safety protocols. This could potentially lead to improved safety measures being implemented more diligently across Texas schools, with the underlying goal of enhancing student wellbeing and security within educational settings.

Summary

House Bill 973 aims to enhance school district compliance with safety measures set forth in various sections of the Texas Education Code. The bill specifically mandates that the Texas Education Agency report any instances of noncompliance by school districts regarding safety measures outlined in Sections 37.108, 37.109, 37.207, and 37.2121 of the Education Code. If a school district is reported for failing to comply, the agency has the authority to impose an administrative penalty equivalent to the salary of the district's superintendent. This provision is intended to hold school districts accountable for maintaining necessary safety standards within educational environments.

Contention

However, there could be concerns regarding the administrative burden placed on school districts and the implications of financial penalties on local education budgets. Some stakeholders may argue that imposing penalties could divert funds away from educational resources and programs. There might also be debates about the effectiveness of penalties in achieving compliance versus offering support and resources to help districts improve their safety measures.