Texas House Bill HB4273

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to reporting requirements by the Texas Education Agency and certain school districts and open-enrollment charter schools regarding student attendance during a declared disaster.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4273 will specifically impact the Education Code by necessitating routine attendance reporting for schools during disasters. Schools will need to provide detailed attendance data across various demographics, including grade level, race, and specific needs such as being in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This data aggregation is intended to help the Texas Education Agency create a comprehensive overview of how disasters affect student attendance, potentially influencing future policies, legislative actions, and resource allocation in education during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 4273 pertains to the reporting requirements mandated by the Texas Education Agency and relevant school districts in relation to student attendance during declared disasters. The bill introduces provisions that require affected schools to report attendance statistics if their operations have been disrupted by a disaster officially declared at any level, be it federal, state, or local. This legislation seeks to enhance the understanding of attendance dynamics during crises, ensuring that the educational implications of such events are systematically documented.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny or debate concerning privacy and the administrative burden it could place on schools. While proponents advocate for clearer data collection to better address student needs during disasters, critics might express concerns about the logistical challenges and the potential for sensitive student information to be mishandled. The legislative discussions could revolve around finding a balance between ensuring accountability in educational reporting and protecting the privacy of vulnerable student populations.