Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 into law Thursday, putting the final touch on legislation that increases punishments for teachers who have inappropriate relationships with students.
Educators who have romantic or sexual relationships with students, including kids who go to different schools in different districts, could lose their jobs, teaching credentials, and pensions.
Those teachers could also face criminal charges and jail time.
Gov. Abbott said, “Texas is going to impose real and stiff consequences for any teacher who dares to have an inappropriate relationship with one of his or her students.”
Those teachers could lose their jobs, teaching credentials, and pensions.
“But it’s not just the teacher’s fault alone,” Abbott added.
School principals and superintendents could also be charged with a felony and be jailed or fined up to $10,000 for failing to report misconduct.
State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said, “That should draw the brightest red line possible for the adults to stay on the adult side of behavior.”
The author of SB 7, Bettencourt added, “Once that relationship happens, the adult and the child’s lives are forever changed and the families, too.”
Last year, the state opened more than 220 investigations into teachers having inappropriate relationships with student.
Texas Education Agency officials believe cell phones and social media have blurred the lines of what’s professional, which is why those numbers are on the rise.
The new law requires teacher training on how to set clear boundaries with students.
“I am proud to sign SB 7 to restore the trust that should exist between teachers and students and also between parents and teachers,” said Gov. Abbott.
The law goes into effect Sept. 1, 2017.
