Healthy School Hours Bill Introduced for Texas Children

Start School Later Arlington and SSL Texas are pleased to co-sponsor legislation during the 86th Texas legislative session. Representative Ana Hernandez of Houston has filed HB 1602. The healthy school hours legislation requires all public schools in Texas begin the day at 8:00 a.m. or later.

The National Institutes of Health reports that one-half of all students are sleep-deprived which affects learning, health, safety and emotional well-being.

In teens, insufficient sleep is associated with high-risk behavior including stimulant abuse, violence, depression and suicidal ideation.

This parameter will provide local districts the framework necessary to insure all students attend school at a time they are rested and ready to learn.

We need your help encouraging the House Public Education Committee to support this bill. We will coordinate an email blast in a week or two providing an easy way to have your voices heard.

Stay Tuned!