Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4 bills that modify the Education Code

A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws

A Bit of Background

The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.

Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Summary of 88th Legislature Laws

The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.

Blog Summary

SB 37 - Criminal offense of hazing

SB 371 - Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program

SB 412 - Protections for pregnant and parenting students enrolled in public institutes of higher education

SB 459 - Early registration for parenting students at public institutes of higher education

4 bills that modify the Education Code

Published: 2025-01-08

SB 37

Criminal offense of hazing

There is a grant of criminal and civil liability for those reporting hazing under specific conditions. They must report the incident themselves and not after being contacted by the institution or law enforcement. They must cooperate in good faith throughout the institution's or law enforcement's investigation.

SB 371

Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program

To be eligible, a student must enter into an agreement with the board to complete all required items. This includes completing 1 year of ROTC training for each year of scholarship or other undergraduate officer commissioning program, like the United State Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class. (The 1 year for each year of scholarship replaced the set 4 years.) All other requirements remained the same.

This seems extremely fair because if a student did not receive the scholarship until their junior year, they previously still owed 4 years. Now they would only owe 2 (assuming they received the scholarship for their last 2 years). Where as a student receiving the scholarship as a freshman and retaining it for 4 years would still owe the 4 years. It may also add years because the student must graduate in 6 years.

SB 412

Protections for pregnant and parenting students enrolled in public institutes of higher education

An institution of higher education may not require pregnant or parenting students to do the following merely because they are pregnant or parenting:

1. take a leave of absence or withdraw from the degree or certification program;
2. limit the student's studies;
3. participate in an alternative program;
4. change the student's major, degree, or certificate program;
5. refrain from joining or cease participating in any course, activity, or program

Pregnant students must be provided reasonable accommodations. These would be similar to those with a temporary medical condition or relating to health and safety of the student and the unborn child. This includes, but is not limited to, safe distance from substances, areas, and activities known to be hazardous to pregnant women or unborn children.

A pregnant or parenting student may take a leave of absence, and if in good standing, later return without being required to reapply.

Institutions must have a policy for students on pregnancy and parenting discrimination. It must be posted and straightforward.

SB 459

Early registration for parenting students at public institutes of higher education

If there is early registration for a group of students, then that same early registration must be provided for parenting students.

 

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.