TITLE: Relating to the protection of students from sexual grooming.

SUMMARY: Relating to the protection of students from sexual grooming.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the protection of students from sexual grooming. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Add a new Subchapter H, Chapter 38, Education Code, to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER H. SEXUAL GROOMING PROTECTION ACT Sec. 38.401. SEXUAL GROOMING PROTECTION. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, as provided by this subchapter a parent who determines that their child is subjected to sexual grooming at a public school is entitled to the right to protect their child from such sexual grooming by selecting another school, public or private, for their child in which event Chapter 48 funding for the education of that child shall flow with the child to the new school selected by the parents. Sec. 38.402. DEFINITION. Sexual Grooming is defined as any effort to desensitize children to sexual experiences, or to normalize sexual relationships with adults or children of the same or opposite sex. Sec. 38.403. ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOL PARTICIPATION (a) The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the program. Rules shall be designed to prohibit fraud and abuse. The rules may not in any form effect or attempt to control the programs, curricula, or other operations of private schools who participate in the program other than rules for accredited private schools which were in effect January 1, 2023. (b) No federal funds or Available School Funds shall be used to fund programs under this subsection. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.