By: Kolkhorst, Hall S.B. No. 838

Schwertner

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authorization by a school district or open-enrollment charter school for a person to carry or possess a weapon on school premises for purposes of safety and security.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 37, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 37.0814 to read as follows:

Sec. 37.0814. SCHOOL GUARDIANS. (a) In this section, "school guardian" means a person who, pursuant to the written regulations or written authorization of a school district or open-enrollment charter school under Section 46.03(a)(1)(A), Penal Code, is authorized to carry or possess a specified weapon for the purpose of providing safety and security on the physical premises of a school, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school.

(b) The Texas School Safety Center shall develop best practices for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools that authorize school guardians to provide safety and security.

(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school that has adopted written regulations or written authorization allowing for school guardians shall report any information relating to the implementation of the regulations or authorization and the identity of each school guardian to:

(1) the Texas School Safety Center, in the form and manner prescribed by the center; and

(2) a state or local law enforcement agency, on written request of the head of the agency.

(d) Information reported under Subsection (c) is confidential and is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, by a school district, an open-enrollment charter school, the Texas School Safety Center, or a law enforcement agency.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.