Paris ISD is making a change in disciplinary action plans for students caught with marijuana, THC, and e-cigarettes.
The 2023 Legislature passed many bills impacting public schools — specifically House Bill 114 which concerns student offenses relating to marijuana, THC, and e-cigarettes.
This statute requires school districts to place a student in DAEP if it finds that the student possesses, uses, is under the influence of, sells, gives, or delivers marijuana, THC, or e-cigarettes on or near school property or at school-sponsored events. Federal and state regulations apply to students receiving special education or 504 services, as appropriate.
Texas Health & Safety Code § 161.081 defines e-cigarettes as “an electronic cigarette or any device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device, or a consumable liquid solution to other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of an electronic cigarette or other device” and includes a device “regardless of whether the device is manufactured, distributed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, or e-pipe or under another product name or description.” The e-cigarette definition also includes “a component, part, or accessory for the device, regardless of whether the component, part, or accessory is sold separately from the device.”
Therefore, be advised that possession of any part or accessory of an e-cig device meets the definition and would require mandatory DAEP placement if the student is found in violation.
“We wish to inform you of this recent legislative update in advance of the coming school year, and we thank you for being an active partner in your child’s education. Let’s make it a great 2023-2024 school year.”
