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The Safe Schools Act (Texas Education Code Chapter 37) gives every Texas teacher clear, enforceable rights when student behavior becomes disruptive, unsafe, or abusive. Recent legislative updates—especially House Bill 6 (HB 6), effective for the 2025–2026 school year—significantly expanded teacher authority, strengthened timelines, and increased district accountability. 

FAQ: Safe Schools Act 

What is the Safe Schools Act? 

The Safe Schools Act is part of the Texas Education Code (TEC Chapter 37). It gives teachers clear authority to remove students who are disruptive, unsafe, or abusive, and it establishes a formal process for conferences, documentation, and placement decisions. 

Full statute: Texas Education Code Chapter 37 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm  

1. When can I remove a student from class? 

Under TEC §37.002(b): 

“A teacher may remove from class a student who engages in behavior that is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it seriously interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the ability of the students to learn.” 

HB 6 update: 

• Teachers may remove a student for a single incident of disruptive, unsafe, bullying, or abusive behavior. 

• Repeated documentation is no longer required for removal. 

Statute: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm#37.002  

2. What happens after I remove a student? 

Under TEC §37.002(c): 

“A conference must be held within three school days with the teacher, the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and the principal or other appropriate administrator.” 

HB 6 update: 

The student cannot return to your classroom unless: 

• you give written consent, or 

• a Return‑to‑Class Plan is created and reviewed at the conference. 

• Parents must be informed of their right to appeal. 

3. Can I refuse to allow the student to return? 

Yes. If you do not consent, the campus must convene the Placement Review Committee (PRC). 

Under TEC §37.003: 

The committee determines whether returning the student to the teacher’s class is the best or only alternative. 

HB 6 update: 

• PRC must meet promptly. 

• PRC must consider the incident, safety concerns, and the Return‑to‑Class Plan. 

• PRC may override the teacher only if returning the student is the “best or only alternative.” 

Statute: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm#37.003  

4. Can my district retaliate against me for removing a student? 

No. HB 6 explicitly prohibits retaliation. 

Teachers cannot be: 

• negatively evaluated, 

• disciplined, or 

• pressured for using removal authority in good faith. 

5. What documentation is required? 

HB 6 requires districts to: 

• use standardized removal forms (click for removal latter , 

• track removals and PRC decisions, 

• maintain Return‑to‑Class Plans, 

• train administrators on Chapter 37 compliance. 

Additional HB 6 discipline changes teachers should know 

These apply statewide beginning 2025–2026: 

• ISS: unlimited days allowed, with a required review every 10 school days. 

• OSS: capped at 3 days except for serious offenses. 

• Mandatory expulsion for assault on staff causing physical injury. 

• Bullying added as a removal‑eligible behavior. 

• Virtual Expulsion Program (VEP) created for certain offenses. 

• Special education protections remain unchanged under IDEA. 

What does this mean for teachers? 

You now have: 

• stronger authority to remove students immediately, 

• clear timelines for conferences, 

• protection from retaliation, 

• a formal process that respects your professional judgment, 

• district accountability for documentation and compliance. 

Statute Links 

Chapter 37: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm  

§37.002: Removal Authority §37.003: Placement Review Committee 

Click below to download a discretionary or mandatory removal letter.

Safe Schools Act: What Bus Drivers Need to Know 

(Texas Education Code Chapter 37.0022) 

Texas law recognizes that student safety begins on the bus, and the Safe Schools Act gives bus drivers clear authority to act when student behavior threatens safety, order, or the ability to operate the vehicle. HB 6 strengthened these protections and clarified the rights of transportation staff. 

Full statute: Texas Education Code Chapter 37 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm  

Your Authority to Remove a Student from the Bus (TEC §37.002) 

Under the Safe Schools Act, bus drivers have the same removal authority as classroom teachers. 

TEC §37.002(b): 

“A teacher may remove from class a student who engages in behavior that is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it seriously interferes with… the ability of the students to learn.” 

HB 6 clarifies that this applies to transportation staff. If a student’s behavior interferes with safe bus operation, you may request removal for a single incident, including: 

• Fighting or physical aggression 

• Bullying or harassment 

• Throwing objects 

• Refusing to remain seated 

• Interfering with the driver’s ability to safely operate the bus 

• Abusive or threatening language 

• Any behavior that creates a safety hazard 

You do NOT need repeated documentation. One serious incident is enough. 

What happens after you request removal? 

A campus administrator must follow the same process used for classroom removals: 

1. A conference must be held within 3 school days 

(TEC §37.002(c)) This meeting includes the administrator, parent/guardian, student, and—when appropriate—the bus driver or transportation supervisor. 

2. A Return‑to‑Bus Plan must be created 

HB 6 requires a written plan outlining expectations, consequences, and supports before a student returns to your route. 

3. You may refuse the student’s return 

If you do not agree that the student can safely return, the campus must convene the Placement Review Committee (PRC). 

Placement Review Committee (TEC §37.003) 

The PRC reviews the incident and determines whether returning the student to your bus route is the “best or only alternative.” 

This is a high legal standard designed to protect your judgment and prioritize safety. 

Statute: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm#37.003  

Protection From Retaliation (HB 6) 

HB 6 prohibits districts from retaliating against transportation staff for using removal authority in good faith. 

Districts cannot: 

• discipline you 

• lower your evaluation 

• pressure you 

• threaten your job 

for requesting a removal when safety is compromised. 

Required District Procedures (HB 6) 

Districts must: 

• use standardized removal forms for bus incidents 

• track transportation removals and PRC decisions 

• maintain Return‑to‑Bus Plans 

• train administrators and transportation staff on Chapter 37 compliance 

• ensure consistent discipline practices across campuses and routes 

Why this matters for bus drivers:

You now have: 

• Clear legal authority to remove unsafe or disruptive students 

• Stronger protections when you act to maintain safety 

• A formal process that respects your professional judgment 

• District accountability for follow‑through 

• Written plans before a student returns to your bus 

The Safe Schools Act recognizes that student safety starts the moment they step onto the bus, and HB 6 ensures transportation staff have the tools and protections needed to maintain a safe environment.