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 extends the benefits of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to include children of veterans who were discharged or retired within the last four years, as well as children of service members who died on active duty. Additionally, it mandates that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools maintain a link on their websites to provide information about these protections.

The bill also amends existing definitions and structures within the Education Code, including the definition of "active duty" and the composition of the State Advisory Council. Notably, it adds a requirement for the council to include a classroom teacher from a Department of Defense Education Activity school and allows for the inclusion of representatives from other relevant offices and stakeholder groups. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

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)