S.B. No. 2623 establishes regulations for the creation and enforcement of school safety zones in Texas, specifically focusing on the provision of navigation services near these zones. The bill introduces Chapter 370A to the Local Government Code, defining key terms such as "school safety zone," "navigation services," and "service provider." A new Safe Schools and Neighborhoods Task Force, composed of 11 members appointed by the governor, is created to identify facilities providing navigation services within 1,500 feet of school safety zones and ensure compliance with the new regulations. The task force is also responsible for developing recommendations for licensing navigation service providers and must report its findings to the governor and legislature every two years, with the first report due by September 1, 2026.

The bill prohibits service providers from offering navigation services within 1,500 feet of a school safety zone, with exceptions for emergency shelters during declared disasters or facilities meeting specific criteria. If a service provider is found in violation, they must cease operations within 30 days of notification from the task force. Municipalities or counties must act to stop non-compliant navigation services, and civil penalties of $5,000 per day are imposed for continued violations. The attorney general is granted authority to seek injunctive relief and revoke service provider registrations as necessary. Additionally, independent school districts are restricted from locating new campuses or reopening closed campuses within 1,500 feet of facilities providing navigation services. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 321.502, Tax Code 323.502 (Tax Code 321, Tax Code 323)
Senate Committee Report: (Tax Code 321, Tax Code 323)
Engrossed: (Tax Code 321, Tax Code 323)
House Committee Report: (Tax Code 321, Tax Code 323)