House committee hears priority school safety bills

The House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety, to which most education bills relating school safety and discipline have been referred (along with other bills that do not involve the public school system), heard the following major school-related bills Monday.

HB 3 by Rep. Dustin Burrows is a comprehensive school safety bill; among other requirements is a mandate that all campuses have at least one armed, trained individual (security guard, school marshal etc.). It also increases TEA oversight of school safety plans, and requires intruder detection audits of school campuses. Much of the testimony on the bill, both favorable and unfavorable, centered on the requirement for armed security personnel at all schools.

HB 13 by Rep. Ken King is another priority safety bill that provides increased funding for safety-related costs, requires mental health training for employees, and requires districts to implement an active shooter preparedness plan.