TX
Texas House Bill HB4651

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4651

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

Caption

Relating to the period for which a public school student may be placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled.

Impact

The proposed amendments would significantly impact how school districts implement disciplinary measures. By narrowing the conditions under which a student can be placed in alternative education or expelled, the bill aims to protect students' rights and ensure fair treatment in disciplinary processes. This could lead to a rise in the number of students receiving leniency in disciplinary actions, particularly for minor infractions, thus changing the landscape of school discipline across Texas. The change seeks to promote a more uniform approach to discipline that could enhance educational environments.

Summary

House Bill 4651 aims to amend the Education Code regarding the duration for which a public school student may be placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled. The bill seeks to clarify the guidelines that school districts must follow when implementing disciplinary measures. This includes specifying the decision-making process for such placements and ensuring that various factors, such as self-defense, intent, and the student's background, are considered before taking action against a student. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a code of conduct in schools that aligns with these guidelines.

Contention

Opponents of HB 4651 may argue that loosening the reins on disciplinary measures could disrupt school safety and reduce the authority of administrators to maintain order. Concerns may also arise about the effectiveness of alternative education programs if students are less likely to be removed from classrooms for behavioral issues. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that the reforms are necessary to address disparities in disciplinary actions and ensure that students are treated equitably, regardless of their backgrounds. This tension between safety and student rights will likely be a point of contention in the ongoing discussions about the bill.

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 HB2952

Relating to procedures for the suspension, expulsion, or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or juvenile justice alternative education program of a public school student enrolled in a school district.

TX HB1066

Relating to a psychological assessment of homicidal risk of a public school student following the student's expulsion or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program for certain conduct.

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 HB1626

Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular educational environment, including parental rights related to that transition, and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.

TX HB4449

Relating to the establishment of a task force to study disciplinary practices and policies in public schools.

TX SB2395

Relating to the establishment of a task force to study disciplinary practices and policies in public schools.

TX HB285

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

TX HB4148

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX SB1292

Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures used by a public school.

TX HB2126

Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures or restraint used by a public school.

Similar Bills

TX SB1115

Relating to reporting, standards, restrictions, and requirements regarding public school disciplinary actions.

TX HB156

Relating to establishing a pilot program in designated public high schools in certain municipalities for placement of students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.

TX HB6

Relating to discipline management and access to telehealth mental health services in public schools.

TX HB169

Relating to placement of public school students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative in certain circumstances to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.

TX HB2952

Relating to procedures for the suspension, expulsion, or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or juvenile justice alternative education program of a public school student enrolled in a school district.

TX HB1050

Relating to placement of public school students with certain disabilities in disciplinary alternative education programs and juvenile justice alternative education programs.

TX HB1949

Relating to establishing a pilot program in designated public high schools in certain municipalities for placement of students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.

TX HB522

Relating to establishing a pilot program in designated public high schools in certain municipalities for placement of students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.