Relating to reporting and planning requirements to reduce the occurrence of sexual assault near the campuses of public institutions of higher education.
Impact
The introduction of HB5291 will significantly change the way educational institutions report and plan for incidents of sexual assault on or near their campuses. By requiring bi-annual reports to the coordinating board and subsequently to the legislature, institutions will need to focus on not just reporting incidents but actively developing strategies aimed at reducing them. This could lead to improved campus safety protocols and increased attention to the issue of sexual violence in educational environments.
Summary
House Bill 5291 aims to enhance the reporting and planning requirements for reporting incidents of sexual assault near public institutions of higher education in Texas. The legislation mandates that institutions of higher education compile and submit detailed reports of sexual assault incidents occurring within a two-mile radius of their campuses. This report must be prepared every two years in consultation with relevant law enforcement entities and must include a plan to reduce such incidents, alongside statistical data over the past two years regarding the rates of these incidents.
Contention
The bill presents a point of contention as it requires substantial effort from institutions that may need to allocate resources towards compiling data and formulating action plans. Critics may argue about the practicality and potential financial burdens placed upon these institutions to comply with the new requirements. However, supporters would argue that these challenges are necessary to ensure the safety of students and to take a proactive stance against sexual violence in public higher education settings.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Relating to signs posted by public institutions of higher education to facilitate the reporting of and to prevent incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.
Relating to required training and continuing education requirements for persons who provide medical care or other support to survivors of sexual assault.