TX
Texas House Bill HB1340

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1340

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

Caption

Relating to certain federal law enforcement agents serving as armed security officers at public schools and the authority of the chief of school safety and security for the Texas Education Agency to carry a weapon on public school grounds.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would have significant implications for school safety laws in Texas. It allows for a greater number of armed individuals on school campuses, which proponents argue is essential for enhancing the protection of students and staff against potential threats. By enabling federal law enforcement agents to take on security roles, the legislation seeks to capitalize on their training and experience in handling security issues effectively. However, this shift also raises concerns regarding the presence of armed personnel in educational settings and its potential impact on the school environment.

Summary

House Bill 1340 focuses on enhancing security measures at public schools in Texas by allowing certain federal law enforcement agents to serve as armed security officers. The bill proposes amendments to the Education Code and the Penal Code, specifically permitting current or former licensed federal law enforcement agents to carry weapons on public school grounds. Furthermore, it establishes the authority for the Chief of School Safety and Security for the Texas Education Agency to carry a weapon while on school premises. This legislative initiative aims to bolster security in educational environments by expanding the scope of individuals authorized to be armed on school property.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1340 include debates about the appropriateness of armed federal agents in schools and the overall strategy of addressing school safety. Critics may argue that increasing the number of armed individuals on campus could escalate tensions or create an environment that is not conducive to learning. Supporters, however, contend that immediate responses to threats are crucial, and that well-trained federal law enforcement can aid in preventing school violence. Balancing security needs with creating a safe space for education remains a key issue in discussions about this bill.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
    • Section: 0814
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

  • Chapter 46. Weapons
    • Section: 15

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2111

Relating to the employment of certain federal law enforcement agents as school district security personnel and the authority of the chief of school safety and security for the Texas Education Agency to carry a weapon on public school grounds.

TX HB2269

Relating to security personnel and school resource officers at public schools.

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 SB683

Relating to the authorization by a school district or open-enrollment charter school for a person to carry or possess a weapon on school premises for purposes of safety and security.

TX HB3

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.

TX SB1960

Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.

TX HB3617

Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.

TX HB4979

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

TX SB355

Relating to authorizing the Texas School Safety Center to conduct random safety and security audits of public schools; authorizing a civil penalty.

TX HB4824

Relating to the employment of armed commissioned security officers as school district security personnel.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.