Texas House Bill HB2811

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/24/23

Caption

Relating to the use of a volunteer school protection force established by a county sheriff for purposes of school district safety.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2811 will amend the Texas Education Code and the Local Government Code to formalize the structure for volunteer school protection forces. It aims to increase safety on school campuses by leveraging local volunteers who are vetted and trained by the sheriff's department. The bill introduces a framework for cooperation between law enforcement and educational institutions, potentially leading to improved emergency response protocols and better-prepared personnel during crises.

Summary

House Bill 2811 seeks to enhance the security and safety of school districts in Texas by allowing county sheriffs to establish volunteer school protection forces. This initiative enables school districts to enter into memoranda of understanding with sheriffs, allowing designated volunteers to provide security services on school campuses. The bill outlines qualifications for volunteers, including former law enforcement officers and military veterans, all of whom must meet certain licensure requirements. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that these volunteers should act solely to prevent harm to students and staff, delineating their responsibilities compared to traditional law enforcement roles.

Sentiment

The initial legislative discussions surrounding HB 2811 reflect a positive sentiment among many lawmakers regarding enhancing school safety through increased local collaboration. Supporters of the bill argue that involving community members in school safety can create a more secure environment for students and staff. However, there is cautious optimism; some lawmakers express concerns over the training and oversight of volunteers, indicating that adequate measures must be in place to ensure the effectiveness and safety of these volunteer protection forces.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the balance between volunteer involvement and the need for proficient, professional security measures at schools. Critics question whether relying on volunteers could lead to inadequate responses in emergency situations. Moreover, there are concerns about the potential for miscommunication between volunteers and law enforcement, as well as the overall accountability of the volunteer forces when responding to actual threats. Therefore, while the bill is designed to foster a proactive approach to school security, it raises important questions about implementation and efficacy.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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

Local Government Code

• Chapter 85. Sheriff
  • Section: 024

Occupations Code

• Chapter 1701. Law Enforcement Officers
  • Section: 151