H.B. No. 5381, also known as "Rocky's Law," aims to enhance protections for certain military dependents enrolled in public schools in Texas. The bill introduces a new section, 25.906, to the Education Code, which defines key terms related to military service and establishes that children of veterans discharged or retired within the last four years, as well as children of service members who died on active duty, will receive specific educational protections under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This provision ensures that these children are treated similarly to those already covered by the Compact.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools maintain an easily accessible link on their websites to information regarding the Compact and the protections it offers. It also stipulates that the Texas Education Agency's Compact Council must include a current or former Department of Defense Education Activity teacher. Furthermore, the bill prohibits individuals with criminal arrest records related to assault from working in schools that serve military-connected students. The provisions of this Act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

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