The bill, S.B. No. 475, establishes a Classroom Safety Review and Referral Program aimed at addressing violent criminal conduct among students in public primary and secondary schools in Texas. It mandates that if a principal has reasonable grounds to believe a student has engaged in violent conduct, they must either refer the student to a classroom safety review committee or report the incident to local law enforcement. The bill requires schools to form a safety review committee composed of five elected classroom teachers and a referral board that includes teachers, an assistant district attorney, a sheriff's office investigator, and a parent of a student. The committee and board are tasked with reviewing evidence and determining appropriate actions, which may include community service or referral to a juvenile diversion administrator.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for the destruction of materials related to the safety review process, classifying such an offense as a Class A misdemeanor. It also stipulates that any testimony provided during the review process is confidential. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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