Texas House Bill HB5230

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to emergency response management training for certain administrators and security personnel at public schools.

Impact

The introduction of HB 5230 represents a significant step towards enhancing the preparedness and response capabilities of personnel within Texas public schools. By mandating this training, the bill aims to ensure that key school officials are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage emergencies. The requirement for school boards to verify the completion of this training and provide annual emergency response exercises signals a commitment to continuous improvement in safety protocols within educational environments. The bill sets a precedent for prioritizing emergency management training as part of the professional development for school officials.

Summary

House Bill 5230 addresses the requirement for emergency response management training for school administrators and security personnel in Texas public schools. This newly proposed legislation mandates that all principals, assistant principals, school marshals, school district peace officers, school resource officers, and school security personnel employed or assigned to a school district must complete specific training courses provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The identified training courses include the Introduction to the Incident Command System, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, Introduction to the National Incident Management System, and the National Response Framework, An Introduction.

Contention

Within the discussions surrounding HB 5230, notable points of contention have emerged regarding the feasibility and practicality of implementing the training requirements. Supporters argue that the initiative will strengthen school safety and preparedness for unforeseen emergencies, fostering a safer educational atmosphere. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the potential financial implications for school districts in terms of costs associated with training and implementation. Additionally, questions surrounding the adequacy of current training methodologies, and the balance between federal mandates versus local control could also surface as contentious issues within discussions of the bill.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 12. Charters
  • Section: New Section

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