TX
Texas House Bill HB596

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB596

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the use of public resources by a public school officer or employee to engage in certain political activities.

Impact

The implementation of HB596 is aimed at maintaining the neutrality and integrity of public education by preventing school officials from using their positions to influence political outcomes through the misuse of public resources. This is particularly intended to protect the educational environment from becoming a platform for political advocacy, thereby ensuring that resources intended for educational purposes are not diverted to political campaigns or activities.

Summary

House Bill 596 seeks to clarify and strengthen the regulations surrounding the use of public resources by public school officers and employees in Texas when engaging in political activities. The bill amends Section 255.003 of the Election Code to explicitly prohibit school district employees from using public funds or resources for political advertising or to advocate for or against candidates, measures, or political parties. This prohibition extends to all forms of communication, including electronic communication, aimed at influencing electoral outcomes.

Contention

While supporters of HB596 argue that the bill is a necessary measure to uphold ethical standards in public education, concerns may arise regarding the enforcement and implications of such restrictions. Critics could argue that the bill may infringe on the rights of public school employees to participate in political discussions, particularly on election days when distributing information about polling places is made permissible. This creates a potential gray area around what constitutes appropriate political engagement for educators.

Effective_date

If enacted, the provisions of HB596 would take effect on September 1, 2025, applying only to the use of public funds and resources after this date, thereby maintaining the previous legal standards for actions taken before that time.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

  • Chapter 255. Regulating Political Advertising And Campaign Communications
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX SB18

Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.

TX SB12

Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.

TX SB175

Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.

TX HB120

Relating to parental consent for certain activities engaged in by a school district employee or contractor with respect to the parent's child.

TX HB26

Relating to parental consent for certain activities engaged in by a school district employee or contractor with respect to the parents child.

TX HB1149

Relating to parental consent for certain activities engaged in by a school district employee or contractor with respect to the parent's child.

TX HB285

Relating to the expulsion of public school students for engaging in conduct that constitutes serious offenses.

TX SB425

Relating to a school district's use of public money to pay fees or dues or provide compensation to a nonprofit state association or organization that engages in certain lobbying activities.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.