Bill > SB1602

This bill creates a new criminal offense of trespassing on or near school or day-care center property in Texas, defined as entering or remaining on school property or public property within 500 feet of a school or day-care center under specific circumstances. The offense occurs when a person enters such an area and either poses a substantial risk of harm, causes a disruption to the learning environment, or repeatedly behaves inappropriately, and then fails to leave after being requested to do so by an administrator, educator, or security personnel. The bill defines key terms such as "school" (including both public and private elementary or secondary schools), "day-care center" (using the definition from the Human Resources Code), and "school or day-care center property" (which includes all owned or leased land, buildings, and grounds where school-sponsored activities are conducted). If a person commits this offense, they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, and the bill allows for prosecution under this new section or other existing legal sections simultaneously. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, providing time for schools, law enforcement, and the public to become aware of the new regulations.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1602