Texas House Bill HB976

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to public school safety and security measures, policies, and procedures.

Impact

The legislation mandates that each school district or public junior college district adopt a multihazard emergency operations plan. This detailed plan must not only be developed with input from essential stakeholders like local emergency services but also must be regularly updated and implemented through verified training and drills. HB976 places a strong focus on preparation, ensuring that districts are better equipped to handle various potential emergencies, enhancing the overall security framework within educational institutions across the state.

Summary

House Bill 976 addresses public school safety and security measures by amending several sections of the Texas Education Code. The bill emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety training for school trustees and governing body members, requiring them to complete training from the Texas School Safety Center every three years. This measure aims to enhance the competence of school officials in managing safety protocols and responding to emergencies effectively. The newfound training mandates establish a commitment to continuous education on best practices in school safety.

Contention

Notably, the bill establishes requirements for threat assessment teams within school districts, highlighting a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating threats before they escalate. This new layer of oversight aims to empower schools with the means to thoroughly evaluate potential risks while creating a structured process for reporting concerning behavior. However, the insertion of such teams may raise questions about privacy and the management of student behavior, leading to a debate about balancing safety with individual rights.

Overall_effect

Overall, HB976 represents a concerted effort to bolster school safety measures at multiple levels within Texas public education. The provisions outlined indicate a shift towards greater state involvement in local school safety policies while empowering districts with the necessary tools and knowledge to foster safer educational environments.