The bill, S.B. No. 1298, aims to enhance online safety education for minors in Texas public schools and through the Department of Public Safety. It amends Section 28.002 of the Education Code to require school districts to include online safety as part of their enrichment curriculum. This new requirement encompasses instruction on the potential dangers of using the internet, social media, and applications that utilize artificial intelligence. Additionally, the State Board of Education is tasked with developing essential knowledge and skills related to online safety, which includes topics such as maintaining personal security, preventing oversharing of personal information, identifying cyberbullying and predatory behavior, and understanding the permanence of online information.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 411.045(b) of the Government Code to mandate that the Department of Public Safety's training bureau includes online safety education for citizens under the age of 18 in its public safety and crime prevention programs. The changes to the Education Code will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, while the bill itself will become effective immediately if it secures a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.002, Government Code 37.218 (Government Code 37, Education Code 28)