The Senate Select Committee on Violence in Schools and School Security has published their interim report to the 86th Legislature. The committee report covers a total of 4 interim charges taken up over four meetings in June and July on ways to improve school safety infrastructure, address mental health concerns and issues and discuss other measures to address violence in schools.
Interim Charge 1
Improve the infrastructure and design of Texas schools to reduce security threats, and discuss various proposals to harden school facilities, including limiting access points, improving screening and detecting of weapons, retrofitting school facilities with improved locks, emergency alarm systems, and monitoring cameras.
Recommendations
- Regarding its interim charge on school infrastructure and design, the Committee makes the following policy recommendations:
- Consider legislation to allow additional funds for school districts to implement enhanced physical security including metal detectors, alarm systems, cameras, and hardened entrances.
- Consider updates to school building codes to ensure best practices are used in designing new school facilities.
- Consider legislation to clarify that school districts must identify a campus administrator who is responsible for identifying and maintaining contact with local law enforcement, local emergency agencies, and fire departments in their security audits.
- Consider legislation giving TEA oversight to ensure required school security audits are being completed and ensure TEA has the staff necessary to oversee compliance.
- Direct the State Fire Marshal’s Office to review and provide guidance on procedures and sequences concerning school evacuations for unverified emergencies and the required number of fire drills mandated for schools.
Interim Charge 2
Study school security options and resources, including, but not limited to, the school marshal program, school police officers, armed school personnel, the Texas School Safety Center, and other training programs to determine what improvements can be made to provide school districts and charter schools with more robust security options.
Recommendations
- Regarding its interim charge on school security options, the Committee makes the following policy recommendations:
- Consider the appropriate level of funding for and involvement of fusion centers.
- Review Penal Code Chapter 46.03 and provisions by which school districts authorize individuals to carry concealed weapons onto campus and consider establishing a minimum standard for training hours.
- Consider legislation to allow additional funds for training for school marshals and individuals licensed to carry under Chapter 46.03 of the Penal Code.
Interim Charge 3
Examine the root cause of mass murder in schools including, but not limited to, risk factors such as mental health, substance use disorders, anger management, social isolation, the impact of high intensity media coverage — the so-called “glorification” of school shooters — to determine the effect on copycat shootings, and the desensitization to violence resulting from video games, music, film, and social media. Recommend strategies to early identify and intercept high-risk students, as well as strategies to promote a healthy school culture, including character education and community support initiatives.
Recommendations
- Regarding its interim charge related to root causes and prevention, the Committee makes the following policy recommendations:
- Consider legislation to direct TEA to incorporate school counselor data into PEIMS regarding location and number of students served.
- Review the effectiveness and unintended consequences of “zero tolerance” policies in Texas schools.
- Consider methods to increase the availability of school counselors, Licensed Specialists in School Psychology, and school social workers in schools, particularly in rural and remote areas of the state.
- Consider legislation codifying the duties and responsibilities of school counselors, Licensed Specialists in School Psychology, and school social workers.
- Consider legislation incorporating threat assessment teams into Health Advisory or School Safety Committees already on campus.
- Expand the availability of Mental Health First Aid training for all school district employees interacting with students.
- Review the use of Disciplinary Alternative Placement Education Programs (DAEP) and consider behavior intervention methods.
- Consider expanding the use of telemedicine and telepsychiatry to help children in crisis obtain access to mental health services before violence occurs.
- Consider legislation to strengthen the state’s mental health system by leveraging the expertise of state medical schools by creating psychiatry hubs that connect pediatricians seeking consultation with experts in mental health.
Interim Charge 4
Examine whether current protective order laws are sufficient or whether the merits of Extreme Risk Protective Orders, or “Red Flag” laws, should be considered for seeking a temporary removal of firearms from a person who poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, only after legal due process is provided with a burden of proof sufficient to protect Second Amendment rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution.
Recommendations
- Consider legislation to clarify current statute on whether and when an individual convicted of domestic violence may possess a firearm legally.
- Consider legislation to clarify current statute regarding the return of firearms to individuals who have been detained and declared to no longer be a risk to themselves or others.