Bill > SB475

This bill establishes a comprehensive classroom safety review and referral program for public primary and secondary schools in Texas to address student violent criminal conduct. Under the proposed law, if a school principal believes a student has engaged in violent criminal conduct, they must either refer the student to a newly created classroom safety review committee or report the incident to local law enforcement. The review committee, consisting of five elected classroom teachers, will examine evidence and determine whether to refer the student to a juvenile diversion administrator or a classroom safety referral board. The referral board, which includes two teachers, a local assistant district attorney, a sheriff's investigator, and a parent, can either report the student's conduct to law enforcement or refer them to the juvenile diversion administrator for alternative interventions like community service or tutoring. The bill mandates that all materials related to these reviews must be maintained in the student's school record until their 24th birthday, and destroying such materials before that time is a Class A misdemeanor. For educators, such destruction could result in contract termination or suspension. Any testimony provided during these reviews is to remain confidential. The program is set to be implemented in the 2025-2026 school year, with the act taking effect either immediately upon a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB475