Bill > HB3351

This bill introduces several measures to enhance public school safety in Texas. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is now authorized to commission peace officers specifically to enforce school safety regulations, with such officers having full peace officer powers while performing their duties. The bill mandates that school districts' emergency operations plans now include provisions for ensuring student and staff safety during extracurricular activities and requires districts to update their safety exception claims every five years. School districts must now provide safety and violence prevention information to parents at least three times per school year. Additionally, county sheriffs in counties with public schools are now required to hold safety meetings at least twice annually to discuss school safety, law enforcement coordination, emergency response, and related topics. The bill also requires the TEA to submit an annual report to state leadership detailing deidentified results of school safety vulnerability assessments and intruder detection audits, including recommendations for addressing security deficiencies. These changes are set to take effect with the 2025-2026 school year, with the bill becoming law immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3351