In School Suspension No Longer Capped at Three Days
July 31, 2025 – Under House Bill 6 (HB 6), Texas schools now have expanded authority to assign students to in-school suspension (ISS) for extended periods. Previously, ISS was capped at three consecutive days. With the new law, students can remain in ISS for as long as school officials determine appropriate, provided the placement is reviewed every 10 school days.

Supporters of the measure argue that it gives schools more flexibility to manage serious or repeated behavioral issues without sending students off campus or into alternative education settings. They also say it allows for a more structured environment where students can continue their academic work while being separated from the regular classroom.
Critics, however, worry that longer ISS periods could disproportionately affect vulnerable students, including those with disabilities or from minority communities. Extended time in suspension may lead to disengagement from learning and worsen academic outcomes, especially if instructional support during ISS is limited.
The law emphasizes administrative discretion, making consistent application across schools and districts a concern for some advocates. As HB 6 takes effect, educators and policymakers will likely monitor its impact on discipline trends, student performance, and equity in how consequences are applied.