Bill > HB295

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to explicitly include antisemitism within the definition of bullying for school discipline policies. The bill defines antisemitism as conduct involving a negative perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred, including both rhetorical and physical acts directed at Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, or Jewish community institutions and facilities. The definition references the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's "Working Definition of Antisemitism" adopted in 2016. By adding this definition, the bill expands the existing bullying provisions to specifically address antisemitic behavior, which can include actions that physically harm a student, damage property, create an intimidating educational environment, disrupt the educational process, or infringe on a victim's rights at school. The bill will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, with an immediate effect possible if it receives a two-thirds vote from the Texas Legislature, otherwise becoming effective on September 1, 2025.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB295