reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.202. Purpose

Sec. 37.202.  PURPOSE.  The purpose of the center is to serve as:
(1)  a central location for school safety and security information, including research, training, and technical assistance related to successful school safety and security programs;
(2)  a central registry of persons providing school safety and security consulting services in the state; and
(3)  a resource for the prevention of youth violence and the promotion of safety in the state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.04, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.203. Board

Sec. 37.203.  BOARD.
(a)  The center is advised by a board of directors composed of:
(1)  the attorney general, or the attorney general's designee;
(2)  the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee;
(3)  the executive director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, or the executive director's designee;
(4)  the commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, or the commissioner's designee;
(5)  the commissioner of higher education, or the commissioner's designee; and
(6)  the following members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate:
(A)  a juvenile court judge;
(B)  a member of a school district's board of trustees;
(C)  an administrator of a public primary school;
(D)  an administrator of a public secondary school;
(E)  a member of the state parent-teacher association;
(F)  a teacher from a public primary or secondary school;
(G)  a public school superintendent who is a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators;
(H)  a school district police officer or a peace officer whose primary duty consists of working in a public school;
(I)  a professional architect who is registered in this state and a member of the Texas Society of Architects; and
(J)  three members of the public.
(b)  Members of the board appointed under Subsection (a)(6) serve staggered two-year terms, with the terms of the members described by Subsections (a)(6)(A)-(F) expiring on February 1 of each odd-numbered year and the terms of the members described by Subsections (a)(6)(G)-(J) expiring on February 1 of each even-numbered year. A member may serve more than one term.
(c)  The board may form committees as necessary.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 780 (S.B. 11), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 11), Sec. 3.03, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 263 (S.B. 103), Sec. 4, eff. June 8, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 7.005, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.05, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.06, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 924 (H.B. 4342), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.204. Officers; Meetings; Compensation

Sec. 37.204.  OFFICERS;  MEETINGS;  COMPENSATION.  (a)  The board shall annually elect from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson.
(b)  The board shall meet at least four times each year.
(c)  A member of the board may not receive compensation but is entitled to reimbursement of the travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the board as provided by the General Appropriations Act.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.205. Safety Training Programs

Sec. 37.205.  SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMS.  The center shall conduct for school districts a safety training program that includes:
(1)  development of a positive school environment and proactive safety measures designed to address local concerns;
(2)  school safety courses for law enforcement officials, with a focus on school district police officers and school resource officers;
(3)  discussion of school safety issues with parents and community members; and
(4)  assistance in developing a multihazard emergency operations plan for adoption under Section 37.108.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 780 (S.B. 11), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.207. Model Safety and Security Audit Procedure

Sec. 37.207.  MODEL SAFETY AND SECURITY AUDIT PROCEDURE.  (a)  The center shall develop a model safety and security audit procedure for use by school districts and public junior college districts that includes:
(1)  providing each district with guidelines showing proper audit procedures;
(2)  reviewing elements of each district audit and making recommendations for improvements in the state based on that review; and
(3)  incorporating the findings of district audits in a statewide report on school safety and security made available by the center to the public.
(b)  Each school district shall report the results of its audits to the center in the manner required by the center.
(c)  In addition to a review of a district's multihazard emergency operations plan under Section 37.2071, the center may require a district to submit its plan for immediate review if the district's audit results indicate that the district is not complying with applicable standards.
(d)  If a district fails to report the results of its audit as required under Subsection (b), the center shall provide the district with written notice that the district has failed to report its audit results and must immediately report the results to the center.
(e)  If three months after the date of the initial notification required by Subsection (d) the district has still not reported the results of its audit to the center, the center shall notify the agency and the district of the district's requirement to conduct a public hearing under Section 37.1081.  This subsection applies only to a school district.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 11), Sec. 3.04, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.07, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 464 (S.B. 11), Sec. 14, eff. June 6, 2019.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 928 (H.B. 3597), Sec. 4, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.2071. District Multihazard Emergency Operations Plan Review and Verification

Sec. 37.2071.  DISTRICT MULTIHAZARD EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN REVIEW AND VERIFICATION.  (a)  The center shall establish a random or need-based cycle for the center's review and verification of school district and public junior college district multihazard emergency operations plans adopted under Section 37.108.  The cycle must provide for each district's plan to be reviewed at regular intervals as determined by the center.
(b)  A school district or public junior college district shall submit its multihazard emergency operations plan to the center:
(1)  not later than the 30th day after the date the center requests the submission; and
(2)  in accordance with the center's review cycle developed under Subsection (a).
(c)  The center shall review each district's multihazard emergency operations plan submitted under Subsection (b) and:
(1)  verify the plan meets the requirements of Section 37.108; or
(2)  provide the district with written notice:
(A)  describing the plan's deficiencies;
(B)  including specific recommendations to correct the deficiencies; and
(C)  stating that the district must correct the deficiencies in its plan and resubmit the revised plan to the center.
(d)  If a district fails to submit its multihazard emergency operations plan to the center for review following a notification by the center that the district has failed to submit the district's plan, the center shall provide the district with written notice stating that the district must hold a public hearing under Section 37.1081.
(e)  The center may approve a district multihazard emergency operations plan that has deficiencies if the district submits a revised plan that the center determines will correct the deficiencies.
(f)  If one month after the date of initial notification of a plan's deficiencies under Subsection (c)(2) a district has not corrected the plan deficiencies, the center shall provide written notice to the district and agency that the district has not complied with the requirements of this section and must comply immediately.
(g)  If a school district still has not corrected the plan deficiencies three months after the date of initial notification under Subsection (c)(2), the center shall provide written notice to the school district stating that the district must hold a public hearing under Section 37.1081.
(h)  If a school district has failed to submit a plan, the notice required by Subsection (d) must state that the commissioner is authorized to appoint a conservator under Section 37.1082.
(i)  Any document or information collected, developed, or produced during the review and verification of multihazard emergency operations plans under this section is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 464 (S.B. 11), Sec. 15, eff. June 6, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.208. On-Site Assistance

Sec. 37.208.  ON-SITE ASSISTANCE.  On request of a school district, the center may provide on-site technical assistance to the district for:
(1)  school safety and security audits; and
(2)  school safety and security information and presentations.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 780 (S.B. 11), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.209. Center Website

Sec. 37.209.  CENTER WEBSITE.  The center shall develop and maintain an interactive Internet website that includes:
(1)  quarterly news updates related to school safety and security and violence prevention;
(2)  school crime data;
(3)  a schedule of training and special events; and
(4)  a list of persons who provide school safety or security consulting services in this state and are registered in accordance with Section 37.2091.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.08, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.2091. Registry of Persons Providing School Safety or Security Consulting Services

Sec. 37.2091.  REGISTRY OF PERSONS PROVIDING SCHOOL SAFETY OR SECURITY CONSULTING SERVICES.  (a)  In this section, "school safety or security consulting services" includes any service provided to a school district, institution of higher education, district facility, or campus by a person consisting of advice, information, recommendations, data collection, or safety and security audit services relevant to school safety and security, regardless of whether the person is paid for those services.
(b)  The center shall establish a registry of persons providing school safety or security consulting services in this state.
(b-1)  A school district must confirm that a person is included in the registry established under Subsection (b) before the district may engage the person to provide school safety or security consulting services to the district.
(c)  Each person providing school safety or security consulting services in this state shall register with the center in accordance with requirements established by the center.  The requirements must include provisions requiring a person registering with the center to provide information regarding:
(1)  the person's background, education, and experience that are relevant to the person's ability to provide knowledgeable and effective school safety or security consulting services; and
(2)  any complaints or pending litigation relating to the person's provision of school safety or security consulting services.
(d)  The center shall verify the information provided by a person under Subsection (c) to confirm the person's qualifications and ability to provide school safety or security consulting services before adding the person to the registry.
(e)  The center shall include information regarding the registry, including the number of persons registered and the general degree of school safety or security experience possessed by those persons, in the biennial report required by Section 37.216.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.09, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 464 (S.B. 11), Sec. 16, eff. June 6, 2019.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.211. Recognition of Schools

Sec. 37.211.  RECOGNITION OF SCHOOLS.  The center shall provide for the public recognition of schools that implement effective school safety measures and violence prevention.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.212. Interagency Cooperation

Sec. 37.212.  INTERAGENCY COOPERATION.  The center shall promote cooperation between state agencies, institutions of higher education, and any local juvenile delinquency prevention councils to address discipline and safety issues in the state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.2121. Memoranda of Understanding and Mutual Aid Agreements

Sec. 37.2121.  MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING AND MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS.  (a)  The center shall identify and inform school districts of the types of entities, including local and regional authorities, other school districts, and emergency first responders, with whom school districts should customarily make efforts to enter into memoranda of understanding or mutual aid agreements addressing issues that affect school safety and security.
(b)  The center shall develop guidelines regarding memoranda of understanding and mutual aid agreements between school districts and the entities identified in accordance with Subsection (a).  The guidelines:
(1)  must include descriptions of the provisions that should customarily be included in each memorandum or agreement with a particular type of entity;
(2)  may include sample language for those provisions; and
(3)  must be consistent with the Texas Statewide Mutual Aid System established under Subchapter E-1, Chapter 418, Government Code.
(c)  The center shall encourage school districts to enter into memoranda of understanding and mutual aid agreements with entities identified in accordance with Subsection (a) that comply with the guidelines developed under Subsection (b).
(d)  Each school district that enters into a memorandum of understanding or mutual aid agreement addressing issues that affect school safety and security shall, at the center's request, provide a copy of the memorandum or agreement to the center.
(d-1)  A copy of a memorandum of understanding or mutual aid agreement provided to the center under Subsection (d) is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
(e)  The center shall include information regarding the center's efforts under this section in the report required by Section 37.216.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.09, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 928 (H.B. 3597), Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.213. Public Junior Colleges

Sec. 37.213.  PUBLIC JUNIOR COLLEGES.  (a)  In this section, "public junior college" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  The center shall research best practices regarding emergency preparedness of public junior colleges and serve as a clearinghouse for that information.
(c)  The center shall provide public  junior colleges with training, technical assistance, and published guidelines or templates, as appropriate, in the following areas:
(1)  multihazard emergency operations plan development;
(2)  drill and exercise development and implementation;
(3)  mutual aid agreements;
(4)  identification of equipment and funds that may be used by public junior colleges in an emergency; and
(5)  reporting in accordance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092(f).
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 11), Sec. 3.05, eff. September 1, 2007.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.10, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.214. Authority to Accept Certain Funds

Sec. 37.214.  AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN FUNDS.  The center may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from public and private entities to use for the purposes of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.215. Budget

Sec. 37.215.  BUDGET.  (a)  The board shall annually approve a budget for the center.
(b)  The center shall biannually prepare a budget request for submission to the legislature.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 780 (S.B. 11), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.216. Biennial Report

Sec. 37.216.  BIENNIAL REPORT.  (a)  Not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the board shall provide a report to the governor, the legislature, the State Board of Education, and the agency.
(b)  The biennial report must include any findings made by the center regarding school safety and security and the center's functions, budget information, and strategic planning initiatives of the center.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 923, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.11, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.2161. School Safety and Security Progress Report

Sec. 37.2161.  SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY PROGRESS REPORT.  (a)  The center shall periodically provide a school safety and security progress report to the governor, the legislature, the State Board of Education, and the agency that contains current information regarding school safety and security in the school districts and public junior college districts of this state based on:
(1)  elements of each district's multihazard emergency operations plan required by Section 37.108(a);
(2)  elements of each district's safety and security audit required by Section 37.108(b); and
(3)  any other report required to be submitted to the center.
(b)  The center shall establish guidelines regarding the specific information to be included in the report required by this section.
(c)  The center may provide the report required by this section in conjunction with the report required by Section 37.216.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 6.12, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.217. Community Education Relating to Internet Safety

Sec. 37.217.  COMMUNITY EDUCATION RELATING TO INTERNET SAFETY.  (a)  The center, in cooperation with the attorney general, shall develop a program that provides instruction concerning Internet safety, including instruction relating to:
(1)  the potential dangers of allowing personal information to appear on an Internet website;
(2)  the manner in which to report an inappropriate online solicitation; and
(3)  the prevention, detection, and reporting of bullying or threats occurring over the Internet.
(b)  In developing the program, the center shall:
(1)  solicit input from interested stakeholders; and
(2)  to the extent practicable, draw from existing resources and programs.
(c)  The center shall make the program available to public schools.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 343 (S.B. 136), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.218. Programs on Dangers of Students Sharing Visual Material Depicting Minor Engaged in Sexual Conduct

Sec. 37.218.  PROGRAMS ON DANGERS OF STUDENTS SHARING VISUAL MATERIAL DEPICTING MINOR ENGAGED IN SEXUAL CONDUCT.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Bullying" has the meaning assigned by Section 37.0832.
(2)  "Cyberbullying" has the meaning assigned by Section 37.0832.
(3)  "Harassment" has the meaning assigned by Section 37.001.
(4)  "Sexual conduct" has the meaning assigned by Section 43.25, Penal Code.
(b)  The center, in consultation with the office of the attorney general, shall develop programs for use by school districts that address:
(1)  the possible legal consequences, including criminal penalties, of sharing visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct;
(2)  other possible consequences of sharing visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct, including:
(A)  negative effects on relationships;
(B)  loss of educational and employment opportunities; and
(C)  possible removal, if applicable, from certain school programs or extracurricular activities;
(3)  the unique characteristics of the Internet and other communications networks that could affect visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct, including:
(A)  search and replication capabilities; and
(B)  a potentially worldwide audience;
(4)  the prevention of, identification of, responses to, and reporting of incidents of bullying; and
(5)  the connection between bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and a minor sharing visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct.
(c)  Each school district shall annually provide or make available information on the programs developed under Subsection (b) to parents and students in a grade level the district considers appropriate.  Each district shall provide or make available the information by any means the district considers appropriate.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1322 (S.B. 407), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 522 (S.B. 179), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.220. Model Threat Assessment Team Policies and Procedures

Sec. 37.220.  MODEL THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.  (a)  The center, in coordination with the agency, shall develop model policies and procedures to assist school districts in establishing and training threat assessment teams.
(b)  The model policies and procedures developed under Subsection (a) must include procedures, when appropriate, for:
(1)  the referral of a student to a local mental health authority or health care provider for evaluation or treatment;
(2)  the referral of a student for a full individual and initial evaluation for special education services under Section 29.004; and
(3)  a student or school personnel to anonymously report dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that occurs or is threatened to occur on school property or that relates to a student or school personnel.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 464 (S.B. 11), Sec. 17, eff. June 6, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.221. Facilities Standards Review

Sec. 37.221.  FACILITIES STANDARDS REVIEW.  (a)  At least once every five years, the center shall review the facilities standards for instructional facilities adopted under Section 7.061 and make recommendations to the commissioner regarding any changes necessary to ensure that the facilities standards:
(1)  reflect best practices for improving school safety through the design and construction of school facilities; and
(2)  are consistent with standards adopted under Chapter 469, Government Code, regarding the elimination of architectural barriers.
(b)  The center and commissioner may consult with stakeholders with relevant expertise regarding whether any updates to requirements for the use of funds granted or allocated to school districts for purposes of improving the safety and security of school facilities are necessary to align with best practices.
(c)  In updating facilities standards, the commissioner shall:
(1)  incorporate input from the center and stakeholders  with relevant expertise regarding best practices for standards applicable to the design and construction of school facilities; and
(2)  ensure the standards are updated as necessary to ensure compliance with any changes to state law and local building codes.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter G. Texas School Safety Center › Section 37.222. Resources on Safe Firearm Storage

Sec. 37.222.  RESOURCES ON SAFE FIREARM STORAGE.  (a)  The center, in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, shall provide to each school district and open-enrollment charter school information and other resources regarding the safe storage of firearms for distribution by the district or school under Subsection (b), including information on:
(1)  the offense under Section 46.13, Penal Code; and
(2)  ways in which parents and guardians can effectively prevent children from accessing firearms.
(b)  Each school district and open-enrollment charter school shall provide the information and other resources described under Subsection (a) to the parent or guardian of each student enrolled in the district or school.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.301. Definition

Sec. 37.301.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "board of trustees" includes the board's designee.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.302. Applicability

Sec. 37.302.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter:
(1)  applies to a student who is required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure; and
(2)  does not apply to a student who is no longer required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, including a student who receives an exemption from registration under Subchapter H, Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a student who receives an early termination of the obligation to register under Subchapter I, Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.303. Removal of Registered Sex Offender From Regular Classroom

Sec. 37.303.  REMOVAL OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER FROM REGULAR CLASSROOM.  Notwithstanding any provision of Subchapter A, on receiving notice under Article 15.27, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, that a student is required to register as a sex offender under that chapter, a school district shall remove the student from the regular classroom and determine the appropriate placement of the student in the manner provided by this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.304. Placement of Registered Sex Offender Who Is Under Court Supervision

Sec. 37.304.  PLACEMENT OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WHO IS UNDER COURT SUPERVISION.  (a)  A school district shall place a student to whom this subchapter applies and who is under any form of court supervision, including probation, community supervision, or parole, in the appropriate alternative education program as provided by Section 37.309 for at least one semester.
(b)  If a student transfers to another school district during the student's mandatory placement in an alternative education program under Subsection (a), the district to which the student transfers may:
(1)  require the student to complete an additional semester in the appropriate alternative education program without conducting a review of the student's placement for that semester under Section 37.306; or
(2)  count any time spent by the student in an alternative education program in the district from which the student transfers toward the mandatory placement requirement under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.305. Placement of Registered Sex Offender Who Is Not Under Court Supervision

Sec. 37.305.  PLACEMENT OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WHO IS NOT UNDER COURT SUPERVISION.  A school district may place a student to whom this subchapter applies and who is not under any form of court supervision in the appropriate alternative education program as provided by Section 37.309 for one semester or in the regular classroom.  The district may not place the student in the regular classroom if the district board of trustees determines that the student's presence in the regular classroom:
(1)  threatens the safety of other students or teachers;
(2)  will be detrimental to the educational process; or
(3)  is not in the best interests of the district's students.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.306. Review of Placement in Alternative Education Program

Sec. 37.306.  REVIEW OF PLACEMENT IN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM.  (a)  At the end of the first semester of a student's placement in an alternative education program under Section 37.304 or 37.305, the school district board of trustees shall convene a committee to review the student's placement in the alternative education program.  The committee must be composed of:
(1)  a classroom teacher from the campus to which the student would be assigned were the student not placed in an alternative education program;
(2)  the student's parole or probation officer or, in the case of a student who does not have a parole or probation officer, a representative of the local juvenile probation department;
(3)  an instructor from the alternative education program to which the student is assigned;
(4)  a school district designee selected by the board of trustees; and
(5)  a school counselor employed by the school district.
(b)  The committee by majority vote shall determine and recommend to the school district board of trustees whether the student should be returned to the regular classroom or remain in the alternative education program.
(c)  If the committee recommends that the student be returned to the regular classroom, the board of trustees shall return the student to the regular classroom unless the board determines that the student's presence in the regular classroom:
(1)  threatens the safety of other students or teachers;
(2)  will be detrimental to the educational process; or
(3)  is not in the best interests of the district's students.
(d)  If the committee recommends that the student remain in the alternative education program, the board of trustees shall continue the student's placement in the alternative education program unless the board determines that the student's presence in the regular classroom:
(1)  does not threaten the safety of other students or teachers;
(2)  will not be detrimental to the educational process; and
(3)  is not contrary to the best interests of the district's students.
(e)  If, after receiving a recommendation under Subsection (b), the school district board of trustees determines that the student should remain in an alternative education program, the board shall before the beginning of each school year convene the committee described by Subsection (a) to review, in the manner provided by Subsections (b), (c), and (d), the student's placement in an alternative education program.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 443 (S.B. 715), Sec. 33, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.307. Placement and Review of Student With Disability

Sec. 37.307.  PLACEMENT AND REVIEW OF STUDENT WITH DISABILITY.  (a)  The placement under this subchapter of a student with a disability who receives special education services must be made in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.).
(b)  The review under Section 37.306 of the placement of a student with a disability who receives special education services may be made only by a duly constituted admission, review, and dismissal committee.  The admission, review, and dismissal committee may request that the board of trustees convene a committee described by Section 37.306(a) to assist the admission, review, and dismissal committee in conducting the review.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.308. Transfer of Registered Sex Offender

Sec. 37.308.  TRANSFER OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER.  Except as provided by Section 37.304(b), a school district shall determine whether to place a student to whom this subchapter applies and who transfers to the district in the appropriate alternative education program as provided by Section 37.309 or in a regular classroom.  The school district shall follow the procedures specified under Section 37.306 in making the determination.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.309. Placement in Disciplinary Alternative Education Program or Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program

Sec. 37.309.  PLACEMENT IN DISCIPLINARY ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR JUVENILE JUSTICE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a school district shall place a student who is required by the board of trustees to attend an alternative education program under this subchapter in a disciplinary alternative education program.
(b)  A school district shall place a student who is required by the board of trustees to attend an alternative education program under this subchapter in a juvenile justice alternative education program if:
(1)  the memorandum of understanding entered into between the school district and juvenile board under Section 37.011(k) provides for the placement of students to whom this subchapter applies in the juvenile justice alternative education program; or
(2)  a court orders the placement of the student in a juvenile justice alternative education program.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.310. Funding for Registered Sex Offender Placed in Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program

Sec. 37.310.  FUNDING FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER PLACED IN JUVENILE JUSTICE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM.  A juvenile justice alternative education program is entitled to funding for a student who is placed in the program under this subchapter in the same manner as a juvenile justice alternative education program is entitled to funding under Section 37.012 for a student who is expelled and placed in a juvenile justice alternative education program for conduct for which expulsion is permitted but not required under Section 37.007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.311. Conference

Sec. 37.311.  CONFERENCE.  (a)  A student or the student's parent or guardian may appeal a decision by a school district board of trustees to place the student in an alternative education program under this subchapter by requesting a conference among the board of trustees, the student's parent or guardian, and the student.  The conference is limited to the factual question of whether the student is required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  If the school district board of trustees determines at the conclusion of the conference that the student is required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, the student is subject to placement in an alternative education program in the manner provided by this subchapter.
(c)  A decision by the board of trustees under this section is final and may not be appealed.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.312. Liability

Sec. 37.312.  LIABILITY.  This subchapter does not:
(1)  waive any liability or immunity of a governmental entity or its officers or employees; or
(2)  create any liability for or a cause of action against a governmental entity or its officers or employees.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter I. Placement of Registered Sex Offenders › Section 37.313. Conflicts of Law

Sec. 37.313.  CONFLICTS OF LAW.  To the extent of any conflict between a provision of this subchapter and a provision of Subchapter A, this subchapter prevails.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1240 (H.B. 2532), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2007.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (S.B. 6), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter J. Safety and Security Requirements for Facilities › Section 37.351. Facilities Standards Compliance

Sec. 37.351.  FACILITIES STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.  (a) A school district must ensure that each district facility complies with each school facilities standard, including performance standards and operational requirements, related to safety and security adopted under Section 7.061 or provided by other law or agency rule.
(b)  A school district must develop and maintain documentation of the district's implementation of and compliance with school safety and security facilities standards for each district facility, including a good cause exception claimed under Section 37.353, and shall, if requested by the agency, provide that documentation to the agency in the manner prescribed by the agency.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter J. Safety and Security Requirements for Facilities › Section 37.352. Purchasing Requirements

Sec. 37.352.  PURCHASING REQUIREMENTS.  A school district shall comply with all applicable state laws and rules relating to procurement for district purchases relating to achieving compliance with the facilities standards adopted under Section 7.061 or provided by other law or agency rule.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter J. Safety and Security Requirements for Facilities › Section 37.353. Good Cause Exception

Sec. 37.353.  GOOD CAUSE EXCEPTION.  (a)  If a school district is unable to bring a district facility into compliance with a school facilities standard related to safety and security, the district may claim a good cause exception from the requirement to comply with that standard, including for a reason related to:
(1)  the age, physical design, or location of the noncompliant facility;
(2)  the projected remaining use or functional life of the noncompliant facility;
(3)  availability of funding; or
(4)  supply chain obstacles.
(b)  A school district that claims a good cause exception under Subsection (a) must develop an alternative performance standard with which the district is able to comply.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter J. Safety and Security Requirements for Facilities › Section 37.354. Funding for Facilities Standards Compliance

Sec. 37.354.  FUNDING FOR FACILITIES STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.  (a)  The commissioner may authorize a school district to use money provided to the district for the purpose of improving school safety and security, including the school safety allotment under Section 48.115 or any other funding or grant money available to the district for that purpose, to comply with the requirements of this subchapter.
(a-1)  Funds appropriated in S.B. 30, Acts of the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, or similar legislation, for the purpose of improving school safety and security, may be used as described by Subsection (a).  This subsection expires September 1, 2026.
(b)  The commissioner may adopt rules regarding safety and security requirements with which a school district must comply to receive funding or grant money available for the purpose of improving school safety and security.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle G - Safe Schools › Chapter 37 - Discipline; Law and Order › Subchapter J. Safety and Security Requirements for Facilities › Section 37.355. Confidentiality

Sec. 37.355.  CONFIDENTIALITY.  (a)  Any document or information collected, identified, developed, or produced relating to a safety or security requirement under this subchapter is confidential under Sections 418.177 and 418.181, Government Code, and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
(b)  The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to administer this section.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2023.