A new law in Texas will increase punishments for students caught vaping on school campuses.
House Bill 114 goes into effect on September 1, 2022. It requires any student found in possession of or using a vaping device at school to be placed in the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
Previously, consequences for student vaping were left to district discretion. But under the new law, assignment to DAEP is mandatory. This alternative schooling environment separates students from the general population.
The Dripping Springs Independent School District is one of the districts that recently updated its code of conduct to reflect the change. Students there will now be sent to DAEP if they:
- Sell, give, or deliver any vaping device to another student
- Possess or use a vaping device themselves
If the DAEP is at full capacity, the student will be placed in in-school suspension until space becomes available. This rule also applies to marijuana, THC, and alcohol violations.
School officials say vaping has become a major issue on campuses, with incidents happening nearly daily in some districts. Students will vape in bathrooms, triggering fire alarms.
While applauding the tougher stance, some officials worry about finding enough space in DAEPs for a potential influx of vaping offenders. Parents are also brought in to meet with administrators once a student is placed in the program.
One district reported over 100 vaping-related offenses last school year. Officials hope more vigilance and harsher consequences can curb the troubling rise in youth vaping.
Educating both students and parents on the health dangers of nicotine addiction is seen as the best long-term solution. For now, Texas is getting tough on student vaping in schools through mandatory DAEP placement.
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