Texas House Bill HB1370

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/17/23

Caption

Relating to requiring a single entrance to a public school campus; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If passed, HB1370 would result in significant changes to existing school safety protocols. It would amend the Education Code in Texas to define specific expectations for school districts in terms of physical access to their campuses. The new regulations would require clearly marked signage on all non-designated doors and would promote a culture of safety by deterring unauthorized entry. Additionally, the bill specifies exemptions for designated personnel, such as peace officers or emergency responders, ensuring that necessary access remains available in emergency situations.

Summary

House Bill 1370 aims to enhance security at public school campuses by mandating that each school district or open-enrollment charter school adopt a policy that limits public entry to a single designated entrance. This proposal is designed to bolster safety measures by ensuring that all external doors to the school campus are closed and locked, thereby restricting unauthorized access. The bill further establishes that a person who knowingly opens an unauthorized door for entry, or leaves such a door open, may face criminal charges, which could be classified as a state jail felony.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1370 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among legislators and community members who prioritize school safety. Advocates argue that the legislation will significantly reduce potential risks associated with open campus access, especially in a concerning climate where school security is of paramount importance. However, there may also be concerns about the implications of such restrictions on community access and the unintended consequences of criminalizing behavior that could be viewed as an attempt to provide assistance or support within school environments.

Contention

Notable points of contention likely revolve around the balance between security and accessibility. Some critics may express concerns that overly stringent access controls could hinder community involvement in schools, especially in emergencies. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the implications of criminalizing the act of opening unauthorized doors; opponents may argue this could lead to disproportionate consequences for individuals acting out of goodwill. The overarching debate will likely focus on the effectiveness of such measures in genuinely enhancing safety without inadvertently criminalizing innocent behavior.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
  • Section: New Section