Texas 2023 - 88th 3rd C.S.

Texas House Bill HB125

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

Caption

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The bill will significantly influence Texas education law by instituting a formal mechanism for dealing with violent conduct in schools. Each school is required to form a Classroom Safety Review Committee composed of teachers who will investigate incidents and recommend appropriate actions, which could include community service, tutoring, or other rehabilitative measures. The long-term maintenance of student records regarding these incidents until their 24th birthday could lead to more informed decisions regarding student behavior and interventions, thereby promoting a safer educational environment.

Summary

House Bill 125 establishes a Classroom Safety Review and Referral Program focused on addressing violent criminal conduct among students in public primary and secondary schools. The bill mandates that if a principal has reasonable cause to believe a student has engaged in violent behavior, they must refer the student to a dedicated review committee or report the matter to law enforcement. This structure aims to enhance proactive safety measures within classrooms and ensure a standardized procedure for handling incidents of violence.

Sentiment

While specific discussion sentiments regarding HB 125 are not provided, the sentiment around such measures generally varies. Supporters often argue that implementing structured responses to violence is crucial for maintaining safety in schools, building a supportive educational atmosphere. Conversely, there may also be concerns about the implications of criminalizing student behavior and the potential stigmatization of students who are referred through this process.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 125 could stem from its potential to blur the lines between disciplinary and criminal actions within educational settings. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to excessive punitive measures rather than focusing on rehabilitation and support for students. Additionally, the confidentiality provisions for testimonies from educators raise concerns regarding transparency and the protection of student rights, highlighting the ongoing debate about how best to handle violence without compromising educational integrity.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB34

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1760

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

TX HB285

Relating to the expulsion of public school students for engaging in conduct that constitutes serious offenses.

TX SB2083

Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular classroom and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.

TX HB2857

Relating to the removal of a public school student from the classroom for engaging in conduct involving the possession of certain prohibited substances.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX SB11

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.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

CA SB1383

Teacher credentialing: Committee of Credentials: membership.

TX HB34

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1760

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB43

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB942

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB475

Relating to a public school classroom safety review and referral program for students who engage in violent criminal conduct; creating a criminal offense.

CT SB00453

An Act Concerning Classroom Safety And Disruptive Behavior.

FL H0257

Exceptional Students and Video Cameras in Public Schools