H.B. No. 5381, also known as Rocky's Law, aims to enhance educational opportunities and protections for military children and certain military dependents enrolled in public schools in Texas. The bill introduces new provisions under Section 25.906 of the Education Code, which defines key terms related to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and extends the compact's protections to children of veterans and active-duty service members for four years following their discharge or death. Additionally, it mandates that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools maintain a link on their websites to provide information about the compact and the protections available under this law.

The bill also amends existing definitions and the composition of the State Advisory Council to include a classroom teacher from the Department of Defense Education Activity, thereby broadening the representation of stakeholders involved in military education. The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Education Code 162.002, Education Code 162.006 (Education Code 162)
Engrossed: Education Code 162.002, Education Code 162.006 (Education Code 162)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 162.002, Education Code 162.006 (Education Code 162)