H.B. No. 121 is a legislative act designed to enhance public school safety in Texas by commissioning peace officers through the Texas Education Agency and restructuring the board of directors of the Texas School Safety Center. The bill mandates that school districts develop comprehensive emergency operations plans that cover prevention, response, and recovery from emergencies, and requires training for all school employees, including substitute teachers, in emergency response protocols. Key amendments include the introduction of new categories of peace officers and inspectors to monitor compliance with safety requirements, as well as a requirement for school districts to report on safety audits and emergency operations plans.

The bill also amends various sections of the Education Code to strengthen safety measures in schools and open-enrollment charter schools. Notable provisions include conducting threat assessments with personnel knowledgeable about students with disabilities, creating emergency response maps for local law enforcement, and providing safety resources to parents multiple times a year. Additionally, it establishes new personnel requirements for threat assessment teams, adds a new member to the Texas School Safety Center's board, and expands safety training and resources. The legislation will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate provisions if passed by a two-thirds majority, aiming to foster a safer educational environment through improved communication, preparedness, and support systems.

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 (Local Government Code 85, Education Code 48, 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 (Education Code 7, Local Government Code 85, Family Code 261, Education Code 48, Education Code 38, Education Code 37)
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 (Education Code 7, Local Government Code 85, Family Code 261, Education Code 48, Education Code 38, Education Code 37)
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 (Education Code 7, Local Government Code 85, Family Code 261, Education Code 48, Education Code 38, Education Code 37)