HB 6 Passes; Increases Punishment Options For Teachers

June 1, 2025 – Texas schools will soon be able to impose harsher disciplinary measures on students after the Legislature passed House Bill 6, a broad package aimed at curbing campus violence and disruptions. The bill, passed Wednesday, is part of a post-pandemic effort by lawmakers to address growing concerns about student behavior and safety in schools.

“Disruptions are impeding both the ability of teachers to teach and the ability of students to learn,” said Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, one of the bill’s key supporters. Under HB 6, schools will have more authority to remove students from classrooms for unruly behavior, and districts will face fewer restrictions when placing students in alternative education programs. The bill also expands what qualifies as a disciplinary offense, including persistent classroom disruptions and threatening behavior.

Supporters argue the legislation is a necessary response to rising incidents of violence and misconduct since students returned to in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, critics warn the bill could disproportionately affect students of color and those with disabilities, and fear it may lead to overuse of punitive practices rather than addressing root causes. Still, with bipartisan support, HB 6 is set to significantly change how Texas schools manage student discipline.