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HB 4267

Relating to the submission by law enforcement agencies to certain public school personnel of a handle with care notice concerning a traumatic event experienced by a public school student and to certain required training regarding those notices.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Donna Howard

Texas law would require police to notify schools when students experience traumatic events and mandate trauma-informed training for school staff to improve student support.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#educationagency #texas(v9941) #educatorcertification #stateboardfor(v0492) #education--primary&secondary--admission&attendance(i0227) #education--primary&secondary--otherschoolpersonnel(i0246) #lawenforcement #texascommissionon(v0986) #lawenforcement(i0510) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317)
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Bill Summary · HB 4267

Legislative bill overview

HB 4267 requires law enforcement agencies to submit "handle with care" notices to designated school personnel when a student has experienced a traumatic event. The bill also mandates specific training for school staff on how to recognize and appropriately respond to students affected by such trauma.

Why is this important

Traumatized students often struggle academically and behaviorally, and school staff may misinterpret trauma responses as discipline problems. By alerting educators to a student's situation and providing training, the bill aims to foster trauma-informed responses that support recovery rather than punishment, potentially improving educational outcomes and student wellbeing.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Parents and civil liberties advocates may question whether sharing law enforcement information about traumatic events violates student privacy rights and whether parents have a say in notification
  • Implementation burden: Schools may lack resources for additional staff training and may question who qualifies as "certain public school personnel" eligible to receive notices
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "traumatic event" remains unclear—whether it includes arrests, witness to crime, domestic violence, accidents, or other incidents, which could affect how broadly notices apply

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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