Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2456

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2456 would enable retired peace officers to serve in school security roles while also ensuring that such officers have the official authorization to carry weapons on school properties. This change is particularly relevant in the context of growing concerns over school safety and the need for effective security measures in educational settings. The bill proposes a framework that emphasizes local control, allowing school districts to determine the necessary presence and jurisdiction of security personnel, including the retired officers' operational boundaries.

Summary

House Bill 2456 aims to facilitate the employment of honorably retired peace officers as security personnel within school districts. The bill modifies the Education Code to allow school boards to authorize retired peace officers to carry weapons when employed as security personnel. By amending the definitions and regulations governing these officers' employment, the bill seeks to enhance the safety and security of students and school staff across Texas schools. Proponents argue that utilizing trained retired officers will provide a higher level of security compared to other personnel options.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2456 appears mostly favorable among supporters who emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures in schools. Representative Martinez and organizations like the School Security Alliance express strong backing for the bill, highlighting its potential to improve overall security standards in educational environments. However, there are concerns from various stakeholders about the implications of allowing armed personnel on school campuses, indicating a divide in opinions regarding the adequacy and training of retired officers in handling such responsibilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 2456 include the balance between enhanced security and the appropriate handling of armed personnel on school grounds. Critics may raise valid concerns regarding the risk posed by allowing retired officers to carry weapons, as well as the overall strategy for ensuring student safety without resorting to militarization of educational spaces. The bill's impact on school culture and student perceptions of security personnel may also be topics of discussion as stakeholders evaluate its implementation and ramifications.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 1702. Private Security
    • Section: 322

Companion Bills

TX SB357

Identical Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX HB2064

Same As Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX HB2064

Same As Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2064

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX SB357

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX HB1115

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX SB892

Relating to the employment of certain peace officers as private security officers.

TX HB4023

Relating to the exemption of certain reserve peace officers from regulation as private security personnel.

TX SB2502

Relating to the exemption of certain reserve peace officers from regulation as private security personnel.

TX SB1600

Relating to the registration of peace officers as private security officers.

TX HB1491

Relating to exemption from application of the Private Security Act of certain peace officers employed by a law enforcement agency.

TX SB2436

Relating to exemption from application of the Private Security Act of certain peace officers employed by a law enforcement agency.

TX HB461

Relating to exemption from application of the Private Security Act of certain peace officers employed by a law enforcement agency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.