HB 1783 creates a new right for school employees—the right to report a crime that was witnessed at the school.  The bill adds Section 37.148 to the Texas Education Code. That section will read as follows:

RIGHT TO REPORT CRIME.  (a) An employee of a school district or open-enrollment charter school may report a crime witnessed at the school to any peace officer with authority to investigate the crime.

(b) A school district or open enrollment charter school may not adopt a policy requiring a school employee to: (1) refrain from reporting a crime witnessed at the school; or (2) report a crime witnessed at the school only to certain persons or peace officers.

This goes into effect on September 1, 2015.  Notice that 1) it applies to all school employees, not just certified educators; 2) it applies to charters; and 3) it applies to things that happen at school that are “witnessed,” presumably by the person who makes the report.

DAWG BONE: LET’S HOPE THIS IS A “RIGHT” THAT MOST TEACHERS WILL NOT HAVE TO EXERCISE.