Bill > SB1447

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to establish comprehensive standards for electronic devices and software applications used in public schools, requiring the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to develop guidelines that prioritize student safety and parental involvement. The standards include minimizing student data collection, mandating direct and informed parental consent for most software applications, ensuring software cannot conduct unauthorized mental health or personal assessments, providing parents with cybersecurity and online safety resources, specifying times when electronic devices must be deactivated, considering age-appropriate device usage restrictions, implementing social media access limitations, and creating exceptions for students with disabilities who require assistive technology. The bill also requires schools to use Internet filters that can notify administrators and parents if students access concerning content related to self-harm, suicide, violence, or illicit drugs, assign a specific district officer to handle electronic device-related complaints, and ensure software providers comply with data protection regulations. These new standards will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, with the bill becoming effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not.