Bill > SB2242

This bill amends Texas education law to strengthen school district policies on dating violence by requiring comprehensive guidelines that address prevention, reporting, and support for students. The bill expands existing requirements to include a clear definition of dating violence as intentional physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse in a dating relationship, and mandates that school districts develop policies that explicitly state dating violence is not tolerated. The new provisions require specific reporting procedures and protocols that prioritize victim safety, including a requirement to notify parents of both alleged victims and perpetrators, with a specific protocol that ensures victims are notified before perpetrators. Additionally, the bill requires schools to implement interim measures to protect victims from retaliation and provide supportive accommodations. Schools must also develop training for teachers and administrators, provide counseling for affected students, and create awareness education for students and parents. The bill mandates that all school districts implement these updated dating violence policies by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, with the act taking effect either immediately with a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025, if immediate implementation is not approved.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2242