NEW LAWS IMPACT TEXAS SCHOOLS

Texas public schools are making big changes this year as several new state laws take effect. Students are now banned from using cell phones and other personal devices during the school day under House Bill 1481, and all classrooms must display the Ten Commandments in a 16-by-20-inch framed version. Senate Bill 13 gives parents greater control over library materials, while Senate Bill 12 bans diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and requires parents to opt in for sex education. Discipline rules have also changed, allowing longer in-school suspensions and expanded out-of-school suspensions, even for young students. Other laws protect employees’ right to pray on duty, restrict certain food additives in school meals, and allow for a daily period of prayer or Bible reading.