There will soon be fewer warning signs around our schools about the increased penalties for the trafficking of persons. S.B. 2069 completely eliminates this requirement for private schools, and for public schools eliminates the requirement that these signs be posted every 10 feet.

“Every 10 feet” is an exaggeration, but not by much. The existing law (T.E.C. 37.086) requires warning signs “parallel to and along the exterior boundaries of the school’s premises” and “at each roadway or other way of access” and “at each entrance to the premises” and “for premises not fenced, at least every five hundred feet along the exterior boundaries.”

That’s a lot of signage. The new law reduces the requirement to signs at a “conspicuous place reasonably likely to be viewed by all school employees and visitors.”

Of course everyone takes the trafficking of children seriously, but you have to wonder if these signs have any impact. Can you imagine the sexual predator approaching the school, reading the sign about the increased penalties, and deciding “I guess I’d better do my trafficking elsewhere!” I doubt that ever happened, even with signs all over the place.

This one goes into effect September 1, 2023.

DAWG BONE: WHY DID THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS WANT OUT OF THIS? COST?

Got a question or comment for the Dawg? Let me hear from you at jwalsh@wabsa.com.

Tomorrow: changes with dyslexia services