BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 256

By: Cortez

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that teachers typically do not have adequate protections relating to bullying in the workplace carried out by students or parents. H.B. 256 seeks to address unresolved conflicts and unnecessary employee stress by providing for the inclusion of anti-bullying measures in school district employment policies.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 256 amends the Education Code to require the employment policy adopted by the board of trustees of each independent school district to include anti-bullying measures to address bullying in the workplace, including provisions to address the bullying of a teacher by a parent.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.