[Daily Signal] Earlier this week, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new initiative aimed at protecting students in Texas schools from abuse.
During a visit to Lubbock on Tuesday, Abbott announced his initiative to combat abuse in public schools, targeting educators who engage in inappropriate relationships with students.
During fiscal year 2026, there were more than 1,600 allegations of inappropriate relationships between students and educators and more than 500 allegations of sexual abuse involving students at Texas schools, according to Texas Education Agency data.
During fiscal year 2025, there were 580 allegations of inappropriate relationships between students and educators and 304 allegations of sexual abuse involving students.
Abbott said new laws are needed to strengthen protections for students and hold educators who abuse their positions of authority accountable.
"This new law builds on previous and vital actions that crack down on inappropriate teacher-student relationships," Abbott said. "We must protect our students and lock up predators. Together, we will keep Texas classrooms a safe space for children to learn, grow, and succeed."
Under Abbott’s proposal, criminal penalties will increase for teachers and school staff convicted of an improper relationship with a student. The penalties would include mandatory sex-offender registration and a minimum 10-year prison sentence.
Those convicted also would not be eligible for community supervision, deferred adjudication, parole, or mandatory supervision before completing the 10-year prison sentence.
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