Texas Senate Bill SB936

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/27/25

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB936 would amend existing sections of the Education Code to incorporate provisions for these audits. This adds a layer of oversight to school safety procedures, potentially leading to improved safety protocols across public schools in Texas. The bill requires cooperation from school districts, mandating them to grant access for audit purposes, which could foster more transparent safety practices. As a result, the legislation could influence the operational procedures of educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of a safe learning environment.

Summary

SB936 is a proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the safety and security of public schools in Texas by authorizing the Texas School Safety Center to conduct random safety and security audits of school districts. The bill outlines that these audits may include assessments of safety policies, inspections of records, interviews with stakeholders, and physical assessments of school facilities. Such comprehensive evaluations are intended to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure that safety measures are up to state standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB936 may include concerns about the imposition of civil penalties for district trustees or superintendents who obstruct these audits. The bill states that such obstruction could result in penalties ranging from $50 to $500 for each violation, leading to discussions on the appropriateness of these penalties and the potential for conflict between school administration and safety oversight authorities. Critics may argue that this could lead to tensions between maintaining school autonomy and complying with state-mandated safety protocols.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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