Text of TX HB 1704 (2025)

89R5871 RAL-D By: Schatzline H.B. No. 1704 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a parent's right to be notified by a school district concerning acts of self-harm by the parent's child. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 26, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 26.0083 to read as follows: Sec. 26.0083. PARENTAL NOTIFICATION CONCERNING ACTS OF SELF-HARM BY PARENT'S CHILD. (a) In this section, "self-harm" includes: (1) attempted suicide; (2) the expression of suicidal ideation; (3) the intentional ingestion of toxins; (4) hitting, cutting, or burning oneself, or engaging in other acts of self-mutilation; (5) engaging in high-risk sexual behavior; (6) altering one's biological sex; (7) abusing drugs or alcohol; and (8) engaging in any other behavior that causes self-injury. (b) A school district shall immediately notify a parent if the parent's child engages in or expresses a desire to engage in an act of self-harm, or otherwise indicates by words or behavior a likelihood of engaging in an act of self-harm, including words or behavior expressing gender dysphoria or other distress relating to the child's biological sex. (c) An employee of a school district who witnesses a child engage in an act, expression, or behavior described by Subsection (b) shall immediately inform an appropriate district administrator. (d) A school district employee who fails to comply with Subsection (c) may be subject to, as applicable: (1) discharge or suspension without pay under Section 21.104 or 21.156; or (2) termination or suspension under Section 21.211. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.