Texas House Bill 3 and School Security
Texas House Bill 3, which was originally signed into law in 2019, is a comprehensive bill that aims to improve public education across the state. One of the key provisions of House Bill 3 is an increased focus on school security — with several changes that will impact how schools in Texas approach safety and security.
Here’s a closer look at what House Bill 3 means for school security in Texas:
- School Safety and Security Committees: House Bill 3 requires each school district in Texas to establish a school safety and security committee. This committee will be responsible for reviewing the district’s safety and security policies and making recommendations for improvements.
- Mental Health Resources: To support the mental health needs of students, House Bill 3 provides funding for additional mental health resources in Texas schools. This includes funding for mental health professionals, training for school staff on identifying and addressing mental health issues, and other resources to support student well-being.
- School Safety Training: House Bill 3 requires that all school personnel in Texas receive annual training on school safety and security, including training on active shooter response, emergency preparedness, and other critical safety procedures.
- School Marshals: House Bill 3 expands the school marshal program in Texas, which allows trained school personnel to carry firearms on campus. Under the new law, school marshals must receive more extensive training and be certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
- School Security Funding: House Bill 3 provides funding for additional school security measures, including the installation of metal detectors and security cameras, improved access control systems, and other security upgrades.
Impacts of House Bill 3 on School Security
Overall, the changes introduced by House Bill 3 represent a significant investment in school security in Texas. By establishing school safety and security committees, providing funding for mental health resources, and requiring annual safety training for school personnel, House Bill 3 seeks to create a safer and more secure learning environment for Texas students.
The expansion of the school marshal program under House Bill 3 has generated some controversy, with some critics arguing that the program could lead to increased violence on school campuses. However, supporters of the program argue that it provides an important layer of protection in the event of an active shooter situation.
Conclusion
Texas House Bill 3 represents a comprehensive effort to improve public education across the state, with a particular focus on school security. By establishing school safety and security committees, providing funding for mental health resources, and requiring annual safety training for school personnel, House Bill 3 seeks to create a safer and more secure learning environment for Texas students. While the school marshal program expansion has generated some controversy, House Bill 3 represents a significant investment in the safety and well-being of Texas students.
At Security Engineers, the safety of our children and school campuses is our number one priority. From School Security Officers to Active Shooter Preparedness training and Gunshot Detection systems, we are here to help protect what matters most safe. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule your campus security assessment today.