Services, events & updates
NEW LAW EFFECTIVE NOW
On June 21st, Gov. Abbott signed SB 571 which makes key changes to the Texas Family Code's requirements to report child abuse. Please read the TAA linked below in its entirety and ensure that all school staff are aware of the new law. However, below is a summary of the TAA.
Required Misconduct Reporting & Notices
Effective immediately (signed June 20, 2025)
This bill strengthens mandatory reporting and expands coverage around educator and service provider misconduct:
Reporting deadlines tightened: Campus staff — including contractors — must report incidents involving physical abuse, threats, romantic/sexual relationships, inappropriate communication, or boundary violations to superintendents within 48 hours, then to TEA/SBEC within 48 hours of superintendent awareness
Expanded definition of reportable misconduct: Includes a broader range of behavior like romantic relationships, boundary violations, threats, and communications that previously may not have triggered formal reporting .
New Chapter 22A, Texas Education Code: Consolidates reporting obligations, definitions, confidentiality rules, and TEA/SBEC investigative authority across traditional public schools, charter schools, ESA vendors, and contractors
Do Not Hire Registry access broadened: All school-related personnel (including contract employees) must be screened through the statewide registry. Misconduct cases are added promptly, and schools are barred from rehiring individuals listed
Criminal penalties for failure to report: Concealing misconduct with the intent to delay or prevent reporting is a state jail felony, and SBEC may discipline principals or superintendents for noncompliance
HB 4623 – Liability of Public Schools & Educators
Effective September 1, 2025
This law creates civil liability for schools and educators in cases involving sexual misconduct or failure to report abuse:
New Chapter 118, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code: Public schools are now liable for acts or omissions by “professional school employees” (including administrators, teachers, buses, counselors, board members, etc.) if those acts involve sexual misconduct or a failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect under Family Code §261.101
Governmental immunity waived: Schools can no longer claim sovereign immunity in these cases. Likewise, official immunity is removed for individual employees—they cannot assert immunity defenses when sued under this chapter
Damages and legal costs: Successful claimants may recover up to $500,000 in actual damages per claimant, as well as court costs and attorney fees. Remedies provided are in addition to any other legal options
The final version limits liability to sexual misconduct or failure to report abuse,
