Bill: SB 489, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Education
2nd Chamber Committee
House Public Education
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
No |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Negative |
Negative |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Eddie Lucio Jr.
Co-Author(s)
Sylvia Garcia
Royce West
Sponsor(s)
Carol Alvarado
Bill Caption
Relating to recommendations regarding instruction in public schools to prevent the use of e-cigarettes.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, school districts are required to create health advisory councils to provide recommendations on physical education and nutrition, among other things. SB 489 would also require these councils to provide recommendations on instruction to prevent the use of e-cigarettes.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill would infringe on the principles of limited government and personal responsibility because it expands the government beyond its proper role by making nutritional and health recommendations that are the responsibility of parents to provide to the child. Adding instruction regarding e-cigarettes is a dubious use of the public education system. Public education should focus on teaching students core subjects and leave training on issues such as this to parents, charitable organizations, and places of worship. For these reasons we oppose SB 489.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Classroom Teachers Association