The House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety met Monday, March 13, 2023, to hear testimony on seven bills, including HB 669 (Thierry, et al.), which would require school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide all classrooms with panic alert devices that allow for immediate contact with district or school emergency services or emergency services agencies, law enforcement agencies, health departments, and fire departments.
Amy Beneski, TASA Deputy Executive Director, Governmental Relations, testified “on” the bill at the request of Rep. Thierry. Beneski expressed appreciation for provisions that will be included in the committee substitute that will mirror the language in TEA rules requiring minimum standards. She stressed the importance of fully funding all new safety requirements, noting that TEA has estimated the new minimum standards will cost $2.1 billion.
