Texas House Bill HB114

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/22
• Out of House Committee: 4/18/23
• Voted on by House: 4/25/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/22/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/23
• Governor Action: 6/13/23

Caption

Relating to the possession, use, or delivery of marihuana or e-cigarettes on or near public school property or at certain school events.

Impact

The most significant impact of HB 114 is its potential to reform discipline policies in schools across Texas. By removing the automatic expulsion requirement for certain offenses, the bill seeks to reduce the number of students funneled into disciplinary alternative education programs, which are currently overpopulated. The bill also extends regulations to e-cigarettes, requiring schools to confiscate these devices and report them to local law enforcement, ensuring a comprehensive approach to substance usage on school property.

Summary

House Bill 114, introduced by Representative Thompson, addresses the possession, use, or delivery of marihuana and e-cigarettes on or near public school property and at school events. The bill modifies existing laws that mandated expulsion for students found in possession of marijuana or under its influence while on school premises. Instead, the bill allows school administrators greater discretion in managing such situations, thereby aiming to alleviate the burden on alternative education programs that have been overwhelmed with nonviolent offenses. Instead of expulsion, it stipulates that students not expelled must participate in a drug awareness program.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 114 appears to be cautiously positive among educational stakeholders, with supporters highlighting the bill as a necessary adjustment in disciplinary practices that recognizes the complexities of student behaviors. However, there are concerns regarding the handling of substance use, particularly with e-cigarettes, as advocates for health and addiction recovery stress the importance of strict measures to curb youth vaping.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions around HB 114 include the balance between maintaining school safety and giving students a second chance. Opponents raised issues about the risk of normalizing substance use in schools due to the less punitive measures proposed by the bill. Educational bodies and health advocacy groups are watching closely to see how the implementation of this bill might affect the landscape of substance use in schools and its long-term consequences on student health and safety.