Source: tylerpaper.com 12/22/24
An East Texas state representative is working toward holding educators more accountable.
Recently, there’s been multiple cases of teachers accused of having improper relationships with students in East Texas. House Bill 1401 aims to protect students and have stricter regulations on these incidents.
After a teacher at a local high school was sentenced to several years in prison for having an improper relationship with a student and not having to register as a sex offender, Palestine Police Chief Mark Harcrow knew something had to be done.
“It bothered me that that was not a requirement,” Harcrow said.
This issue spans across several Texas counties. HB 1401, introduced by state Rep. Cody Harris, would require any educator convicted of such offenses to register as a sex offender. A sex offender is a person who commits a crime involving a sexual act.