Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Impact
The legislation will fundamentally alter current protocols related to school safety in Texas public schools. By mandating that schools adopt and implement comprehensive safety plans, including active shooter response training and safety audits every three years, SB11 seeks to create a proactive approach to handling crises. The bill also permits districts to use funds for the compliance with these enhanced safety standards and provides stipends for school employees who participate in the safety programs.
Summary
Senate Bill 11 aims to enhance safety and security measures in public schools across Texas. The bill proposes various measures that include the employment of security personnel, training for active shooter scenarios, and the establishment of a school safety resource network through education service centers. It emphasizes the collaboration between school districts and local law enforcement in developing safety strategies, thus ensuring that students and staff are adequately protected in the face of potential emergencies.
Sentiment
Discussions around SB11 indicate a greatly supportive sentiment towards improving school safety, with many stakeholders, including education coalitions, expressing appreciation for the proposed measures. However, there are concerns from some groups regarding the associated costs and the effectiveness of such measures. Some worry that focusing heavily on security could detract from educational priorities or lead to the unnecessary criminalization of students.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding SB11 lies in its potential reliance on increased security measures rather than addressing root causes of school violence. Critics argue that the emphasis on security personnel and active shooter training could create an atmosphere of fear rather than safety. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the costs of implementation and whether the proposed funding will be sufficient to support all school districts, particularly smaller ones in rural areas.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 7. State Organization
Section: 028
Section: 028
Section: 028
Chapter 8. Regional Education Service Centers
Section: 064
Section: 064
Section: 064
Chapter 25. Admission, Transfer, And Attendance
Section: 095
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: 095
Section: 095
Section: New Section
Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
Section: 108
Section: 1083
Section: 1084
Section: 1085
Section: 1131
Section: New Section
Section: 2091
Section: 2071
Section: 108
Section: 1083
Section: 1084
Section: 1085
Section: 113
Section: 2091
Section: New Section
Section: 108
Section: 1083
Section: 1084
Section: 2091
Section: 2071
Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
Section: 115
Section: 115
Section: 115
Chapter 12. Charters
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Family Code
Chapter 65. Truancy Court Proceedings
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Occupations Code
Chapter 1701. Law Enforcement Officers
Section: 253
Section: New Section
Section: 253
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 554. Protection For Reporting Violations Of Law
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, public school safety and security requirements, and the provision of safety-related resources.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, the composition of the board of directors of the Texas School Safety Center, and public school safety and security requirements and resources.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, the composition of the board of directors of the Texas School Safety Center, and public school safety and security requirements and resources.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including certain training for school district personnel and parents of certain students.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
Relating to policies, procedures, and measures for school safety and mental health promotion in public schools and the creation of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.
Relating to the duties of school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas School Safety Center regarding multihazard emergency operations plans and other school safety measures.