Texas House Bill HB3832

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/7/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/25/23
• Voted on by House: 5/2/23

Caption

Relating to the disposal of certain instructional materials by a public school.

Impact

Should HB 3832 be enacted, it will impact public schools' practices concerning the management and disposal of instructional materials. By enabling districts to discard materials that are no longer needed without waiting for state discontinuation, the bill aims to streamline resource management in education. This could potentially lead to cost savings for schools by minimizing storage needs and facilitating timely updates to instructional materials that reflect current educational standards.

Summary

House Bill 3832, introduced by Representative Lopez of Cameron, focuses on the disposal of certain instructional materials by public schools in Texas. The bill amends Section 31.105(c) of the Education Code, allowing school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to dispose of printed instructional materials before the materials are officially discontinued by the State Board of Education. This change is designed to provide schools with greater flexibility in managing their instructional resources and to reduce waste by allowing early disposal of materials deemed unnecessary.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3832 appears to be generally supportive among educational stakeholders who appreciate the increased autonomy in disposition of educational resources. However, there may be some caution expressed regarding the potential for misuse or hasty disposal of instructional materials. Critics may raise concerns about the implications for accountability and transparency if schools dispose of materials without comprehensive oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention around the bill include concerns about the adequacy of notification and record-keeping processes when schools dispose of instructional materials. Opponents may argue that allowing more discretion in disposal could lead to the retention of outdated or less effective resources while prematurely discarding innovative instructional tools. Ensuring that districts do not miss out on valuable materials through improper disposal practices may be a key concern among educational leaders and policymakers.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 31. Instructional Materials And Technology
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