Bill > HB5526

This bill establishes a school security volunteer program for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in counties with fewer than one million residents, allowing qualified retired law enforcement officers or veterans to serve as unpaid school security volunteers. These volunteers can provide security services on school grounds and in school vehicles, including the option to carry a handgun, but they are explicitly not commissioned peace officers or school resource officers and cannot perform law enforcement activities. To participate, volunteers must pass a criminal background check, are not current employees or contractors of the school, and must wear a district-provided uniform identifying them as school security volunteers. The program requires schools to integrate the volunteers into their existing emergency operations plan and provide volunteers with instruction on school safety policies. Volunteers are granted immunity from civil liability similar to professional school employees, except in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. The bill will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and requires immediate implementation if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5526