Bill > HB596

This bill modifies the Texas Election Code to expand restrictions on the use of public resources for political activities by school district and open-enrollment charter school officers and employees. Specifically, the bill prohibits these school officials from using public resources to distribute communications that directly or indirectly advocate for or against a candidate, measure, or political party, with limited exceptions for providing basic election information such as election date, polling place location, and polling hours. The bill changes the existing law's language from "public funds" to "public resources" and adds a new subsection clarifying these restrictions. Violations of this provision would be considered a Class A misdemeanor, maintaining the existing penalty structure. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to the use of public resources on or after that date, with previous uses still governed by the law in effect at the time they occurred. This legislation aims to prevent potential misuse of school district resources for political purposes and maintain the neutrality of public educational institutions during electoral periods.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB596