The bill, H.B. No. 295, seeks to amend the Education Code by expanding the definition of bullying to explicitly include antisemitism. The new legal language defines "bullying" to encompass acts that exploit an imbalance of power and can manifest through various forms of expression, including written, verbal, or physical conduct. The bill specifically adds "antisemitism" to the list of behaviors classified as bullying, defining it as conduct based on a perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred toward them. This includes both rhetorical and physical acts directed at Jewish individuals, their property, or community institutions, and references the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism.

The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature. If not, the bill will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.0832 (Education Code 37)