New Texas laws now in effect
Following each session of the 88th Texas Legislature convening this past spring, it passed 774 laws that have taken effect since Friday, Sept. 1.
The new laws cover a vast range of topics ranging from street racing to matters involving schools in Texas.
Regarding two laws involving Texas schools, one of the laws was fueled by the fear generated by Uvalde, the school massacre that took place last year. That tragedy resulted in 19 children and 2 teachers losing their lives at the hands of a crazed shooter.
As a result, the Texas Legislature passed a new school safety bill that mandates every public school campus to have at least one armed security officer present during regular school hours.
The bill (HB 3) was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott this past June and became effective Sept. 1.
The new law says a “security officer” must be one of the following: a school district peace officer; a school resource officer (SRO); a commissioned peace officer employed as security personnel; a school marshal; or a school district employee who has completed school safety training provided by a qualified handgun instructor certified in school safety, and carries a handgun on their person on school premises in accordance with written regulations or written authorization of the district.
However, the glitch in HB 3 does not provide any state funding for the additional security officers needed at each campus.
Reaching out to Hallettsville ISD and Sacred Heart Catholic School, superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Bludau said she will be compiling an article addressing this matter for a future issue of the Tribune-Herald.
Sacred Heart Catholic School principal, Kevin Haas, “We have taken many steps to increase the safety procedures around the campus. This summer a second set of security doors were installed to allow for a foyer for visitors, but still restricts access to the students and faculty. We are currently in the process of making additional updates with our offices secured with limited access to the public. Additional security steps have included all doors and gates locked at all times.” Haas also said the teachers and students have also been educated on watching out for strange and odd situations/persons both on the campus and outside the campus.
The teachers additionally have been provided with training on concerning behaviors of students, social media concerns and proper reporting.
Haas said the Diocese of Victoria Office of Catholic Schools has also increased safety parameters. Each Catholic school campus within the Diocese has a safety committee consisting of faculty/staff, administrators and local law enforcement agencies. The committee is expected to meet quarterly to review and revise safety procedures. Additionally each school is expected to have a Safety Director and encouraged to have an active Guardian Program or Marshal Program on the campus. Additional assistance with local law enforcement is also recommended.”
“We also participate with HISD in all local safety meetings and work together to ensure our community is safe for all our students,” Haas said. “The collaboration of the schools and the local law enforcement agencies are assisting to equip us with the safety needs for all our students.”
Another new law taking effect and involves schools is HB 114 that addresses the possession, use, and delivery of marijuana or e-cigarettes on or near public school property and at certain school events.
This law, that took effect Friday, essentially makes it an offense for any student to be in possession of, or using any type of vape or e-cigarette while in a public school or attending a school function.
Any students caught violating the new law will be sent to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), which is an alternative education program for those who violate a district’s code of conduct, or certain other offenses such as a felony.
A few of the other laws that went into effect last Friday and pertain to schools include:
• HB 900 – Refers to books deemed “sexually explicit” will be removed from bookshelves. Those deemed “sexually relevant” will require parent’s permission for the student to check it out.
• SB 2565 – Gives parents access to the materials teachers use to teach their kids.
• SB 1697 – Lets parents decide whether their child should repeat a grade up to the eighth grade or a high school course unless they’ve met all graduation requirements
Regarding laws involving traffic laws and criminal laws include:
• HB 1885 – This law will allow TxDOT to temporarily change speed limits on parts of roads and highways due to construction or weather for driver’s safety
• SB 505 – This law will require owners of these vehicles to pay a $400 registration fee and a yearly $200 renewal registration fee. Drivers of hybrids and gas-fueled vehicles pay a 20 cent tax per gallon, so they will not pay the new fees
• HB 393 – Orders a defendant convicted of intoxication manslaughter to pay restitution to a child whose parent or guardian was killed in the crash. They will have to pay monthly support until the child reaches 18 years old or until they have graduated from high school, whichever is later.
The laws are only a few of the many passed and for more information refer to the Texas 88th Legislature.
