H.B. No. 121 seeks to improve public school safety in Texas through a series of significant measures. The bill amends Article 2A.001 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to introduce new categories of peace officers, including those commissioned under specific sections of the Education Code, and establishes provisions for inspectors from the Texas Education Agency to oversee school district safety compliance. It also sets forth new training requirements for security personnel and mandates the creation of multihazard emergency operations plans. Additionally, school districts are required to conduct annual safety audits, provide training for staff on emergency response, and collaborate with local law enforcement to enhance safety protocols.

The legislation further amends various sections of the Education Code to bolster safety measures in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. Key provisions include the requirement for reports on campus security deficiencies, the inclusion of specific personnel in threat assessment teams for special education students, and the creation of emergency response maps for local law enforcement. The bill also mandates that school districts share safety information with parents at least three times a year and outlines the use of funds for safety infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, it introduces new requirements for the Texas School Safety Center's board, including the appointment of a public junior college administrator, and requires sheriffs in smaller counties to hold biannual meetings on school safety. The act is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with provisions for immediate effect if passed by a two-thirds majority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 7.021, Education Code 37.1031, Education Code 37.108, Education Code 37.222, Education Code 37.353, Local Government Code 85.024 (Local Government Code 85, Education Code 7, Education Code 37)
House Committee Report: Education Code 7.021, Education Code 37.1031, Education Code 37.108, Education Code 37.115, Education Code 37.203, Education Code 37.222, Education Code 37.353, Education Code 48.115, Local Government Code 85.024, Education Code 37.2161 (Education Code 48, Local Government Code 85, Education Code 7, Education Code 37)
Engrossed: Education Code 7.021, Education Code 37.1031, Education Code 37.108, Education Code 37.115, Education Code 37.203, Education Code 37.222, Education Code 37.353, Education Code 38.004, Education Code 48.115, Family Code 261.103, Local Government Code 85.024, Education Code 37.2161 (Local Government Code 85, Education Code 38, Education Code 37, Education Code 7, Education Code 48, Family Code 261)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 7.021, Education Code 37.1031, Education Code 37.108, Education Code 37.115, Education Code 37.203, Education Code 37.222, Education Code 37.353, Education Code 38.004, Education Code 48.115, Family Code 261.103, Local Government Code 85.024, Education Code 37.2161 (Local Government Code 85, Education Code 38, Education Code 37, Education Code 7, Education Code 48, Family Code 261)
Enrolled: Education Code 37.0814, Education Code 37.108, Education Code 37.1083, Education Code 37.115, Education Code 37.203, Education Code 37.222, Education Code 37.353, Education Code 48.115, Local Government Code 85.024, Education Code 37.2161 (Local Government Code 85, Education Code 38, Education Code 37, Education Code 7, Education Code 48, Family Code 261)