Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3160

Filed

2/21/25

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to Internet safety and technology protection policies in public schools and libraries.

Impact

The implications of HB 3160 are significant as it affects both educational institutions and public libraries in Texas. By requiring these entities to adopt safety and protection policies, the bill aims to foster a safer online environment for students and library patrons. Compliance will be enforced through annual reporting and oversight by education and library commissions, which will publish findings on their websites. Noncompliance could lead to penalties, including withholding funding, further emphasizing the importance of adhering to these protections.

Summary

House Bill 3160 addresses critical issues concerning internet safety and technology protection in public schools and public libraries in Texas. This legislation mandates the adoption of specific technology protection policies aimed at protecting minors accessing online resources. The bill establishes comprehensive protocols for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations, particularly the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Furthermore, it creates a framework for public libraries to follow similar guidelines to safeguard young users from inappropriate online content.

Contention

While the bill's intention is to protect minors, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and the possible limitations it might place on internet access. Critics may argue that overly stringent regulations could hinder students' ability to explore educational content freely. Furthermore, the enforcement mechanisms proposed might raise questions about privacy and the extent of monitoring that schools and libraries would need to undertake. The balance between ensuring safety and maintaining open access to information is a central point of contention related to this legislation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

Chapter 38. Health And Safety
- Section: New Section

Government Code

Chapter 441. Libraries And Archives
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB900

Relating to the regulation of library materials sold to or included in public school libraries.

TX HB1655

Relating to the regulation of books sold to or included in public school libraries.

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 HB5266

Relating to speech protections for student media publications in public schools.

TX HB13

Relating to training, preparedness, and funding for school safety and emergencies in public schools.

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 HB498

Relating to policies and procedures for addressing bullying and harassment in public schools.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB18

Relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.