By After the Houston ISD board managers approved placing the bond on the Nov. 5 ballot on Aug. 8, voters now have the power to approve the funds to meet the safety and security requirements of Texas House Bill 3, which became state law on Sept. 1, 2023.
HB 3 mandates districts take measures to ensure public school safety, “including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources,” according to the legislation.
Key Requirements of HB3 Safety and Security Provisions
HB 3, which was passed in part as a legislative response to school shooting incidents and other reported security events, requires mandatory initiatives and improvements to be implemented.
- Requires at least one armed officer on every school campus. The armed individual can be a peace officer, school resource officer, school marshal, or district employee.
- Districts must implement measures like upgraded access control systems, security cameras, and mental health resources.
- Mandates mental health training for school staff interacting with children and the implementation of positive school culture initiatives like bullying prevention and conflict resolution programs.
- Gives the Texas Education Agency the power to enforce the district’s conduct robust active shooter protocols and improve emergency response plans.
HISD Proposal aligns with HB 3 requirements
The proposed $4.4 billion bond, which will be split into two propositions, addresses those legislative requirements:
- Prop A would allocate $3.96 billion to campus repairs and renovations
- Prop B would allocate $440,000 for technology and systems upgrades
If the bond is approved by voters in November, the district could meet those requirements by investing in health and safety solutions for students and staff.
The funding would be allocated as follows:
- HVAC upgrades and air quality improvements to provide consistent temperatures in all campus buildings
- Security infrastructure upgrades, such as enhanced access control system and upgraded security cameras, secure fencing, and outdoor lighting
- Additional mental health resources, including counselors and social workers, which could help address potential safety issues before they escalate
- Purchasing new emergency equipment such as first aid supplies and communication systems, and emergency procedures training for all staff
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