S.B. No. 2623 seeks to enhance school safety in Texas by establishing regulations for navigation services near school safety zones through the introduction of Chapter 370A to the Local Government Code. The bill defines key terms related to school safety zones and outlines the responsibilities of a newly created "safe schools and neighborhoods task force," which will consist of 11 members appointed by the governor. This task force is tasked with identifying navigation service facilities near school safety zones, notifying local municipalities or counties, and ensuring compliance with the new regulations. A significant provision of the bill prohibits service providers from offering navigation services within 1,500 feet of a school safety zone, with exceptions for emergency shelters and specific facilities.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if a service provider does not cease operations within 30 days of receiving notice from the task force, local municipalities or counties must take action within seven days to halt those services. It imposes a civil penalty of $5,000 for each day of non-compliance. The bill also restricts independent school districts from locating new or reopening closed campuses within 1,500 feet of any navigation service facility and requires consultation with the task force to ensure adherence to these regulations. The effective date for these provisions is set for 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)