Texas House Bill HB691

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB 691 is significant as it establishes a formal mechanism for monitoring school district adherence to safety measures. By imposing administrative penalties, which could amount to the annual salary of the district's superintendent, the bill suggests a strong enforcement approach to ensure compliance. This shift could lead to enhanced accountability among school administrators regarding the maintenance of safety standards within their institutions.

Summary

House Bill 691 introduces measures aimed at enhancing school district compliance with specific school safety protocols. The bill amends the Texas Education Code by adding a new section that mandates the reporting of noncompliance by school districts in adhering to established safety requirements. Notably, the new section outlines the provisions under which these requirements fall, specifying that any failure to comply will be reported to the appropriate agency.

Contention

While HB 691 aims to strengthen safety compliance, there may be points of contention surrounding the potential penalties imposed on school districts. Questions regarding the appropriateness of linking penalties to the salary of superintendents could arise, as critics may argue that this approach places undue financial strain on already limited school resources. Furthermore, debates could emerge surrounding the effectiveness of such penalties in actually improving school safety as opposed to merely serving as a punitive measure.