New Education Laws

As Texas students return to school, families, teachers, and administrators are adjusting to major education laws approved by the 89th Texas Legislature. The changes affect school funding, teacher salaries, student cellphones, parental rights, religious displays, school choice, safety, and standardized testing. Together, they represent one of the most significant shifts in Texas education policy in recent years.

 

One of the largest measures is House Bill 2, a public school finance package providing approximately $8.5 billion in new education funding, including about $4 billion for teacher and staff pay increases. The legislation expands teacher incentive programs, supports educator preparation and mentoring, and places additional restrictions on districts employing uncertified teachers in core academic subjects.

 

Supporters believe better compensation will help districts recruit and retain qualified educators. However, some school leaders say rising insurance, transportation, security, and operating costs may limit how far the funding reaches. 

 

Students are also facing stricter rules concerning personal technology. House Bill 1481 requires school districts and charter schools to prohibit students from using personal communication devices on school property during the school day. This includes cellphones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices.

 

Exceptions may be made for medical needs, special education plans, and approved instructional purposes. Supporters believe phone free schools can reduce distractions, bullying, and classroom disruptions. Some parents, however, remain concerned about communicating with their children during emergencies. 

 

Senate Bill 12 expands parental authority over health services, counseling, student clubs, surveys, and certain classroom activities. Schools must provide parents with information about their rights and available campus health services. The law also restricts certain school sponsored policies and programs related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Supporters describe the measure as parental empowerment, while critics fear vulnerable students may lose access to important support.

Religion in public schools has also become a major issue. Senate Bill 10 requires public school classrooms to display a specific version of the Ten Commandments. The requirement remains connected to continuing legal challenges. Senate Bill 11 permits school boards to establish voluntary periods for prayer and reading religious texts under specific conditions. These laws have renewed debate over religious expression and the constitutional separation of church and state.

 

San Antonio Moves Toward Borderless Districts

In San Antonio, education choice is expanding beyond private school vouchers. Several local public school systems are moving toward what some community members call borderless districts. This is not a separate statewide law. It refers to local open enrollment policies allowing students to apply to schools outside the district where they live.

 

Northside Independent School District launched Excellence Without Boundaries, permitting students from throughout the San Antonio area to apply for available seats without paying tuition. The district explains that state funding follows students based on daily attendance, regardless of where they live. 

 

Beginning with the 2026 to 2027 school year, North East Independent School District is also opening enrollment to students from across the San Antonio area. Applications may be evaluated according to campus capacity, attendance, academic history, and discipline records. 

These policies can give families access to magnet programs, career training, specialized courses, and campuses closer to a parent’s workplace. They may also create competition among districts experiencing enrollment declines. Transportation could remain a major obstacle, especially for working families who cannot drive children across the city each day.

Another major change is the Texas Education Freedom Account Program, created through Senate Bill 2. Eligible families can receive public funds for approved private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, tutoring, transportation, and educational services. Supporters call it an opportunity for parents to choose the best educational environment. Opponents argue it could weaken neighborhood public schools, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities.

 

Looking ahead, House Bill 8 will replace the current STAAR testing system beginning with the 2027 to 2028 school year. The new system is expected to use shorter assessments throughout the year instead of relying primarily on one major examination.

 

For San Antonio families, the new education landscape offers more choices, but choice alone does not guarantee equality. The real test will be whether every family has access to safe schools, qualified teachers, dependable transportation, and programs that prepare children for successful futures.