H.B. No. 121 aims to enhance public school safety in Texas by introducing several measures, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The bill amends various sections of the Education Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to include new provisions for school safety and security requirements. Notably, it allows the TEA to commission peace officers to enforce safety regulations and mandates that school districts develop comprehensive emergency operations plans that address various safety scenarios, including natural disasters and active shooter situations. Additionally, the bill requires annual reports on school safety assessments and mandates that good cause exceptions for safety compliance be reevaluated every five years.

The bill also includes specific amendments to the definition of peace officers, expanding the list to include officers commissioned by the TEA and other relevant authorities. It emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and support for students and staff during emergencies, requiring training for school personnel on trauma-informed care and suicide prevention. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that school districts must provide safety information to parents at least three times a year and conduct regular meetings to discuss school safety with local law enforcement. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

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 37, Education Code 7)