Be SMART + Be Safe wants officers and youth to make it home safely from every encounter.
In June 2018, the State Board of Education unanimously approved a new graduation requirement effective for incoming 9th graders for the 2018-19 school year. This requirement is a result of Senate Bill 30, passed in the 85th session of the Texas Legislature in 2017.
What is the new requirement?
Students must receive instruction in interaction with law enforcement officers. This is required to be noted on the student’s transcript and is a condition of graduation.
Who is affected?
This instruction is mandated for all District and Charter Texas high school students, beginning with seniors graduating in the 2021 - 2022 school year.
Why is this course important?
Since young drivers often have interactions with law enforcement, taking the Be Smart + Be Safe instruction will help students be well prepared to interface with police if they are pulled over while driving and at other encounters.
What should instruction include?
According to the text of SB 30, instruction in interaction with law enforcement officers should include information regarding:
The role of law enforcement and the duties and responsibilities of peace officers
A person’s rights concerning interactions with peace officers
Proper behavior for civilians and peace officers
Laws regarding questioning and detention and proof of identity, as well as consequences for failure to comply with those laws
How and where to file a complaint against or a compliment for a peace officer