DEPARTMENT: Government and Public Affairs (Office of Military Affairs)
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle, Director, Government and Public Affairs
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
A Resolution supporting SB179 and HB306, known as “David's Law.”
SUMMARY:
This Resolution calls for support of SB179 and HB306, known as “David’s Law.” The goal of the legislation is to fight against student harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying by giving those affected a channel for reporting such incidents.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
David Molak, a 16 year old San Antonio sophomore, Eagle Scout, avid Spurs fan, fitness enthusiast, and fisherman, took his own life after being the target of bullying at his school. With the proliferation of social media, bullies have become emboldened in their action to shame victims. As a result, Texas Senator Jose Menendez introduced SB179 and Representative Ina Minjarez introduced the companion bill, HB306, known as “David’s Law.” The goal of the legislation is to prevent and fight against student harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying. The bill provides an avenue for schools and parents to report suspected cases of cyberbullying and focuses on prevention by requiring school bullying prevention policies to include cyberbullying and online harassment. In supporting this legislation, San Antonio takes a stand in proclaiming our city an anti-bullying community. This resolution aims to boost the efforts in Austin as well as encourage other cities to join together in giving a stronger voice to the victims of bullying.
On September 1, 2016, City Council approved the City of San Antonio’s 2017 State Legislative Program for the 85th Texas Legislative Session. The program was developed with input from City departments, public and private-sector partners, our legislative consultants in Austin and the City Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee. On September 1, 2016, City Council approved the City of San Antonio’s 2017 State Legislative Program for the 85th Texas Legislative Session. The program was developed with input from City departments, public and private-sector partners, our legislative consultants in Austin and the City Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee. The Legislative Program provides direction to staff on positions to take on proposed legislation and aligns with the priorities of the City Council: economic development, transportation and infrastructure investment, the ability to manage growth through the implementation of SA Tomorrow and protection of our military installations. This Resolution went to Governance Committee on April 20, 2017 and Intergovernmental Relations Council Subcommittee on April 26, 2017, where it was recommended for full City Council review and approval.
ISSUE:
A Resolution in support of SB179 and HB306, known as “David’s Law.” In supporting this legislation, the City of San Antonio takes a stand in proclaiming San Antonio an anti-bullying community.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to support this resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council adopt this resolution supporting SB179 and HB306, known as “David’s Law.”