Texas Senate Bill SB2012

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of truancy masters for Bell County.

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 54 of the Government Code by adding a new subchapter that details the appointment, jurisdiction, powers, and responsibilities of truancy masters. These masters will operate with the same authority as justices of the peace within the context of truancy cases, helping to streamline the handling of such cases and potentially alleviating some of the burdens on the existing court system. The bill specifies the need for the Commissioners Court to set standards for eligibility, pay, and the extent of duties of the truancy masters.

Summary

SB2012 addresses the establishment of truancy masters specifically within Bell County. The purpose of this legislation is to allow the Commissioners Court of Bell County to appoint individuals known as truancy masters who will have jurisdiction over cases involving truant conduct as defined by state law. This creates a specialized forum within the justice system to handle cases related to truancy, which is a significant concern for educational institutions and the community at large.

Contention

While the bill appears to offer a structured approach to addressing truancy, concerns may arise regarding the potential for inconsistencies in how truancy cases are managed across different jurisdictions. Critics could argue that creating truancy masters may lead to varying interpretations of what constitutes truant behavior and how cases are handled. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the qualifications required for these positions and the overall effectiveness of truancy masters in reducing absenteeism in schools.