Bill > HB4416

This bill introduces comprehensive measures to address disorderly or threatening behavior in educational settings, focusing on prevention, awareness, and increased penalties. It requires both K-12 schools and institutions of higher education to develop annual prevention programs that include general awareness campaigns about the consequences of disorderly conduct, such as "doxing" (intentionally posting someone's private information online without consent to harass or incite violence), and other criminal offenses like harassment, terroristic threats, and false reporting. Schools must provide information on responsible online behavior and reporting procedures, and parents must be immediately notified if a student is alleged to have engaged in such conduct. The bill also increases criminal penalties for offenses targeting school employees, students, or committed on educational premises, such as upgrading certain harassment and false reporting charges from misdemeanors to state jail felonies. Additionally, the bill introduces a new offense where parents can be charged with a misdemeanor if they fail to take reasonable steps to stop their child from engaging in unlawful disclosure of personal information. These provisions will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, with the full act becoming effective on September 1, 2025.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4416