TEXAS – If you’re a Houston teacher or student heading back to school this fall, there are several new laws you should know about.
The Texas Legislature has been busy making significant changes to how our schools are going to run. From what your child will be learning in class to new rules about discipline and even which bathroom students can use. Keep reading to learn about important new education laws taking effect in Texas schools this year.
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- Cell-Phone Free Campuses (House Bill 1481)
HB 1481 is a new law that prohibits personal communication devices in K-12 public and charter schools, including passing periods, lunch, and even recess.
The bill defines personal communication devices as any electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication, like cell phones, flip phones, tablets, smartwatches, and even radio devices.
If your child gets caught with a device on the school campus, it will get confiscated. Only then can a parent or guardian retrieve the student’s device.
School districts can individually set their disciplinary procedures, such as:
- Charge parents and guardians a $15 fee to pick up the device.
- Implement the “three-strikes” warning system, where students get three chances with escalating consequences for each violation.
- Lunch detention
- In-School Suspension (ISS)
- Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
- Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP), a school system for students removed from their home campus for severely misbehaving.
- A ticketed citation from law enforcement may be issued if deemed necessary by school administrators.
There are a few exceptions to the law. You may be allowed to use your phone during school hours if it falls under one of the following:
- You’re a student with documented medical needs on a 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- You’re a student on a health plan with a note from a physician.
- You are in an emergency.
- For specific educational purposes approved by teachers or administrators.
- School-issued devices.
House Bill 1481 establishes strict regulations on personal communication devices while providing limited exceptions for medical and educational needs. Students need to understand these new rules to avoid disciplinary consequences that could impact their academic standing and school experience.
Parents should familiarize themselves with their district’s specific policies and procedures, particularly regarding device confiscation, retrieval processes, and potential fees. As schools implement these changes statewide, open communication between administrators, teachers, parents, and students will be essential for a smooth transition to phone-free campuses.
- The Uvalde Act (House Bill 33):
Texas is strengthening school safety through HB 33, a comprehensive law that enhances security measures and emergency response protocols in all primary and secondary schools in the Lone Star State.
HB 33 mandates Texas schools to update and implement new security rules and to maintain specific safety equipment on the school campus, including breaching tools (such as a sledgehammer) and ballistic shields.
Schools must upgrade communication systems, conduct regular security assessments, and perform scheduled emergency drills—multiagency exercises in odd-numbered years and in-person drills in even-numbered years.
The law requires all campus peace officers and emergency medical personnel to complete active shooter response training through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Training Center. Schools that fail to comply with the new law may face consequences ranging from funding cuts to Texas Education Agency sanctions.
Students should be aware of these changes as they will experience new safety drills. They may also notice additional security equipment and personnel on their campuses.
Parents need to understand these security measures to actively participate in school safety discussions and stay informed about emergency response protocols that could affect their children. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
- New Bathroom Rules (Senate Bill 7):
SB 7, also known as ‘The Women’s Privacy Act’, regulates the use of bathrooms, locker rooms, and other private spaces in Texas public buildings. The law requires individuals to use facilities that match their biological sex, rather than their gender expression.
What does SB 7 do?
- Designates all multiple-occupancy private spaces, like bathrooms, in state buildings for male or female use only.
- Defines “male” and “female” based on biological characteristics.
- Establishes usage rules for these spaces.
- Implements penalties for non-compliance.
How does this affect Texas students?
- Schools must label all bathrooms and locker rooms as male or female.
- Students must use facilities matching their sex assigned at birth.
What are the penalties for violations?
- First violation results in a $5,000 fine.
- Second and subsequent violations incur a $25,000 fine.
- Each day counts as a separate violation, multiplying the fines.
- The Attorney General can enforce these rules through legal action.
- Affected private citizens can file lawsuits.
Who can legally use facilities designated for the opposite sex?
- Custodial and maintenance workers
- Medical assistance providers.
- Caregivers help those who need assistance.
- Emergency responders.
- Law enforcement officers.
- Children aged nine or younger with adult caregivers.
The law takes effect Sept. 1, 2025.
- Eliminating the STAAR test (Senate Bill 8):
SB 8 is a complete overhaul of the standardized testing system known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test.
Texas is getting rid of the STAAR test and replacing it with three smaller exams: one at the beginning, one in the middle, and one at the end of the school year. Students and parents can expect test results back within 48 hours of taking the exam.
What does this mean for Houston students?
- Less benchmark testing.
- More helpful feedback throughout the year since teachers get results quickly.
- Less time spent on practice tests.
- School ratings will be more accurate.
Senate Bill 8 shifts the single high-stakes STAAR test to a more balanced system of three shorter exams throughout the academic year.
Students will experience less test anxiety, receive faster feedback, and gain more classroom instruction time since teachers won’t need to focus heavily on test preparation.
Parents can track their children’s academic progress throughout the year and collaborate with teachers to address learning needs.
- Mandatory Display of the Ten Commandments (Senate Bill 10):
SB 10 requires all Texas public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
Schools must display the biblical principles on a durable, posted or framed copy. The law requires displays to measure at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, ensuring students can read them from any spot in the classroom. Schools must accept all private donations of Ten Commandments displays that meet these requirements.
The law provides no exemptions for Texas schools.
While the bill excludes specific penalties for non-compliance, it outlines protections for schools that follow the law:
- The Attorney General will defend schools facing lawsuits for compliance.
- The state will cover all legal costs, judgments, and settlements.
Senate Bill 10 mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every Texas public school classroom, with specific size requirements and legal protections for complying schools.
Students should be aware of this change as it will become a visible part of their daily classroom environment, regardless of their personal religious beliefs or backgrounds.
Parents need to understand both the mandatory nature of this law and the state’s commitment to defending schools that implement it, as there are no exemptions for any public school.
The law takes effect Sept. 1, 2025.
- Student Discipline and Mental Health Services: (House Bill 6):
HB 6 enhances student mental health support and updates discipline procedures in schools. The law allows schools to provide mental health services through telemedicine using the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine program, which connects students with mental health professionals online. These virtual services require parental consent for students under 18, and schools must obtain written permission before sharing any student records with the program.
The law strengthens teachers’ authority to remove disruptive students. Teachers can now remove students after a single incident for:
- Repeatedly interfering with teaching and learning.
- Demonstrating unruly, disruptive, or abusive behavior.
- Engaging in bullying.
After removal:
- Teachers must notify parents.
- Principals decide student placement (new classroom, in-school suspension, or disciplinary program)
- Students need a “return to class” plan or a teacher’s written consent to return.
Special education students retain IEP protections, and all students can appeal removals to the school’s placement review committee or threat assessment team.
New suspension guidelines:
- In-School Suspension (ISS): No time limit on how long a student stays in ISS, but requires administrative review every 10 days.
- Out-of-School Suspension (OSS): Maximum three days, except for students who commit drug/alcohol incidents.
- Homeless students cannot receive OSS unless involved in drug/alcohol incidents.
- Parents may request OSS conversion to ISS in severe circumstances.
New expulsion guidelines:
- Mandatory for serious criminal offenses (on or off campus) and drug/weapon violations.
- Virtual learning options are available if a juvenile justice program rejects or returns the student, OR if the district lacks access to juvenile justice programs.
House Bill 6 combines stronger disciplinary measures with increased access to mental health support through telemedicine.
Students need to understand these changes as they establish clearer consequences for disruptive behavior while also providing new resources for mental health assistance.
Parents should familiarize themselves with both the expanded disciplinary options and the new mental health services, as their consent and involvement are crucial for both aspects of the law.
- More School Funding and Higher Teacher Salaries (House Bill 2):
HB 2 provides $8.5 billion in new funding to Texas public schools, prioritizing teacher pay and school finance reform.
New teacher designation system and pay:
- Master Teacher: Up to $36,000 additional pay
- Exemplary Teacher: Up to $25,000 additional pay
- Recognized Teacher: Up to $15,000 additional pay
- Acknowledged Teacher: Up to $9,000 additional pay
- Nationally Board Certified Teacher: Up to $9,000 additional pay
The new law also creates an annual payment that school districts will receive to help retain experienced teachers. But the amount of money varies on two factors: the size of the school district and the number of years of teaching experience a teacher has.
Districts with 5,000 or fewer students:
- $4,000 for teachers with 3-5 years of experience
- $8,000 for teachers with 5+ years of experience
Districts with more than 5,000 students:
- $2,500 for teachers with 3-5 years of experience
- $5,000 for teachers with 5+ years of experience
Support staff (non-teachers) receive $45 per student for salary increases.
School Districts must use the funding to:
- Increase teacher salaries for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Maintain those salary increases.
- Provide teacher liability insurance.
- Support teacher preparation and mentorship programs.
- Implement safety measures.
- Fund special education.
- Support early childhood education.
If districts don’t comply with the requirements, they may face:
- Loss or reduction of funding.
- State intervention or monitoring.
- Corrective action plans.
- TEA sanctions.
- Annual spending audits.
- Mandatory compliance reporting.
Special Provisions:
- Modified funding for small/rural districts.
- Districts affected by natural disasters may receive additional aid.
- Charter schools have different funding calculations.
- Districts in coastal areas get additional insurance cost support.
- Special provisions for districts with property tax compression.
- Districts with unique geographic challenges may receive adjustments.
- Schools serving special populations get additional funding.
House Bill 2 creates a comprehensive system of teacher compensation and district funding that rewards excellence and experience in the classroom.
Students will benefit from this law through more experienced and motivated teachers, enhanced educational programs, and improved school safety measures.
Parents should understand how this funding will impact their children’s schools as it affects everything from their children’s classroom experience to available programs and services, while also giving them the ability to hold districts accountable for proper use of this investment.
- New course requirements for future high schoolers (House Bill 27):
The Financial Literacy Education Bill (HB 27) adds a standalone finance course to Texas high school graduation requirements, starting with freshmen in the 2026-2027 school year. This law separates financial literacy from the current Economics course requirement.
New graduation requirements as of the 2026-2027 school year:
- One-half credit in personal financial literacy.
- One credit in economics, world geography, or world history.
- TEA will provide free curriculum materials.
- AP courses covering similar content can fulfill the requirement.
While this law takes effect in 2026-2027, current incoming freshmen can benefit from understanding these changes now. Students entering high school in 2025-2026 can:
- Choose to take financial literacy courses on their own or the following semester.
- Plan future course selections strategically.
- Consider AP courses that cover financial literacy.
- Fulfill requirements through economics or approved AP classes.
Students starting high school in 2026-2027 and beyond must complete the standalone financial literacy course to graduate. The course will teach essential money management skills while giving students flexibility to choose between economics, world history, or world geography for their additional credit requirement. AP courses with equivalent financial content can satisfy this requirement.
House Bill 27 transforms how Texas high schools teach financial literacy by creating a dedicated course requirement while offering students flexibility in their social studies credits.
Students need to understand these changes to plan their academic path effectively, whether they’re required to take the standalone course or choose to gain financial knowledge through current options like AP courses or economics.
Parents should familiarize themselves with this new requirement to help their children make strategic course selections and ensure they develop crucial money management skills during their high school years.
- Stricter rules around instructional materials used in schools (House Bill 100):
HB 100 prohibits Texas public schools from using any instructional materials that appear in the State Board of Education’s (SBOE) rejected materials list. You can find the list here.
This law applies to all teaching materials, whether it’s purchased with state funds or local money. The SBOE is required to give a 45 days’ notice before adding materials to the rejected list.
This law takes effect September 1, 2025, with full implementation in the 2026-2027 school year.
If a school is caught using rejected materials during instruction, schools may face:
- Potential loss of funding.
- State intervention.
- Administrative penalties.
- TEA oversight.
House Bill 100 transforms how Texas schools choose and use educational materials by creating strict guidelines about acceptable classroom resources.
Students need to understand these changes as they directly impact what materials they’ll use for learning throughout their education.
Parents should stay informed about these changes to understand what materials their children will use in class and how it affects their learning experience.
- Applied Sciences Pathway Program (House Bill 20)
HB 20 creates the Applied Sciences Pathway program for 11th and 12th-graders, allowing them to earn both a high school diploma and a technical certificate in the following careers:
- Plumbing and pipe fitting.
- Electric work.
- Welding.
- Sheet metal work.
- Carpentry.
- Masonry.
- Diesel and heavy equipment.
- Aviation maintenance.
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
- Construction management and inspection
Upperclassmen will have the chance to sign up when the 2025-2026 academic year begins.
House Bill 20 creates a free pathway for students to gain valuable technical certifications while completing their high school diploma.
Students should explore these opportunities as they offer a direct route to high-demand, well-paying careers without the need for college debt or additional training after graduation.
Parents need to understand this program’s potential to give their children a head start in technical careers, potentially saving thousands in education costs while opening doors to immediate employment opportunities.
- Newly created Early Childhood and Care Force Task (House Bill 117)
HB 117 creates the “Governor’s Task Force on the Governance of Early Childhood Education and Care.” It is a group that’s going to study how Texas handles early childhood education and daycare programs and try to make them better.
According to the bill, the task force will:
- Study challenges in early childhood education and daycare programs.
- Review how state agencies manage early childhood programs.
- Evaluate the need for system redesign.
- Coordinate agency goals and efforts.
- Develop a report by December 1, 2026, with recommendations for affordable childcare, increasing childcare spots, and better preparing kids for kindergarten.
The Task Force operates under two leadership levels.
The Steering Committee includes leaders from:
- Health and Human Services
- Texas Education Agency
- Workforce Commission
- Committee-appointed directors
- Early childhood education deputy director
Task Force members include representatives from:
- Texas Head Start (school readiness program)
- State Health Services
- Texas Early Learning Council
- Business leaders
- Local community leaders
- Nonprofit sector
- Childcare experts
The Texas Education Agency provides administrative support for the Task Force’s operations.
House Bill 117 establishes a comprehensive task force that unites education experts, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to reshape and improve Texas’s early childhood education system. While current students may not see immediate changes, this initiative will impact their younger siblings and future generations by creating stronger foundations for learning and development in early childhood programs.
Parents should monitor the task force’s progress, as its recommendations will directly affect childcare availability, affordability, and quality, potentially providing more options for their families’ educational needs
The 2025-2026 school year brings significant changes to Texas education, from phone-free campuses and enhanced security measures to new curriculum requirements and disciplinary procedures.
Students entering school this fall need to understand these changes as they directly impact their daily routines, learning materials, and future academic paths.
Parents must familiarize themselves with these new laws to effectively advocate for their children, understand their rights, and help navigate these changes successfully.
What are your thoughts on the new laws?
