Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB 5338

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to providing for an election by the parent of a student who was victimized by a public school employee to transfer the student to another public school campus or receive funding for the student to attend private school.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5338 will allow eligible students—those victimized by school employees—certain rights that could fundamentally shift how cases of abuse or misconduct within the educational environment are handled. By providing parents with the ability to select alternative educational environments for their children, the bill promotes a form of school choice that directly responds to negative experiences. This change could lead to a more favorable educational experience for affected students, though it also raises questions about the broader implications for educational institutions and their accountability in addressing allegations of misconduct.

Summary

House Bill 5338 proposes significant reforms in the educational landscape by providing parents of students victimized by public school employees with the option to transfer their children to another public school or enable funding for private schooling. The legislation aims to address circumstances where a school employee has committed an offense against a student, either through conviction or misconduct allegations, thereby prioritizing student safety and well-being. The bill amends the Education Code to establish protections specifically tailored for these students and delineates clear paths for parental action in response to victimization.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding HB 5338. Proponents argue that the bill empowers parents and protects students from potentially harmful environments following incidents of victimization. Critics, however, may express concerns about the effectiveness of such a transfer system in ensuring accountability, as well as the potential financial implications on public schools due to the funding mechanism for private schooling. Furthermore, debates surrounding whether this legislation might inadvertently stigmatize schools or hinder their reputations could arise, as it may suggest systemic issues that necessitate such drastic measures.

Companion Bills

TX SB 1832

Identical Relating to providing for an election by the parent of a student who was victimized by a public school employee to transfer the student to another public school campus or receive funding for the student to attend private school.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1832

Relating to providing for an election by the parent of a student who was victimized by a public school employee to transfer the student to another public school campus or receive funding for the student to attend private school.

TX HB3143

Relating to establishing the safety protection grant program under which the parent of a student whose safety is in jeopardy may elect to transfer the student to another public school campus or receive funding for the student to attend private school.

TX SB686

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX LD220

An Act to Establish the Hope and Inclusion Scholarship Program in Order to Provide Funding for Students Attending Certain Private Schools and Students Receiving Home Instruction

TX HB2396

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX S1819

Requires nonpublic school to forward student discipline records of students who transfer to public school.

TX HB918

Quality Basic Education Act; permit private school students, home study students, and nonresident public school students to enroll as part-time students in any public school in this state

TX LD776

An Act to Provide Free School Lunches to Special Purpose Private Schools That Receive Students from the Public School System

TX SB482

To Repeal The Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act; To Amend The Law Relating To Transfers Of Students Between Public Schools And School Districts; And To Amend The Public School Choice Act Of 2015.

TX HB4623

Relating to liability of public schools and professional school employees for sexual misconduct involving students.

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