On Friday, June 20, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 12 into law, which had recently taken effect on September 1, 2025. It had recently been changed as of last week.
This law would require parental consent for administering medical care in schools, which could become a problem due to its lack of specificity. It prevented nurses from providing basic care to students unless given permission from the parents.
“At the beginning of the school year,” says clinic aide Amayrani Hernandez, “the way the Bill was explained was limiting the staff and nurses if parents did not give consent, which affected our students more than anyone."
As of last week, the bill was recently changed to be more beneficial for the students and nurses. The change left things back to the way they were, allowing the school clinic staff to administer basic medical care to students.
“We’re allowed to give students Band-Aids and check their temperatures,” says Nurse Tanya Hansarik, “but we can’t do screenings, give medications, or administer treatments without parental consent.”
Some students complain that they had not been properly informed of this new change in the school policy, only finding out about it last week. This left students having to research the actual details of the bill themselves.
“I don't believe they do a good job at communicating about our rights, especially with how little rights we already have,” says junior Monica Sellers, “And if we are going to lose more, I think it would be good that if the school actually communicated with the students so that they can be made more aware.”
Other students say that the bill removes the feeling of safety within the school. This is very concerning, as adolescents are in a vulnerable state of mind and can be negatively affected if this safe space is removed.
“I think allowing a safe space for ALL students--including all sexualities, genders, races, and ethnicities-- is necessary, no matter what form, point blank period,” says junior Rae Carey. “While I'm fortunate enough to not be at the point of needing any direct support or help from the school, I feel like the safe space I could've been offered is gone-- thanks to Senate Bill 12.
While Senate Bill 12 has been changed to be more lenient with medical care, it still limits the amount and type of treatment a student can receive. While no problems have occurred as of now, it’s not guaranteed that they may not arise later on.
Written by Chimdiadi Nwamba