What this is
New Texas bill makes trespassing near schools and day cares a Class A misdemeanor to keep children and staff safe.
House Bill 308 is a new Texas law proposal that would make trespassing on school and day-care property a crime. Sponsored by State Representative Jared Patterson and others, the bill defines a clear boundary for school safety: it would apply to anyone who enters or stays on school grounds or within 250 feet of school property without permission.
The law would make this behavior a Class A misdemeanor—a serious criminal offense. A person would break the law if they refuse to leave after a school administrator, teacher, or security officer asks them to go. The rule protects students and staff by preventing people who are disruptive, threatening, or harassing from being near schools and day-care centers.
There are important exceptions built into the law. Parents or guardians who pick up or drop off children would not break the law. People with written permission from the school would also be allowed on the property. The law only applies when someone has no legitimate reason to be there and refuses to leave when asked.
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The bill takes effect December 1, 2025, if it passes. This gives schools and day-care centers a tool to enforce stronger safety boundaries and protect the people who work and learn in these spaces every day.
Key details
- Offense Classification: Class A misdemeanor
- Safety Buffer Zone: 250 feet from school or day-care property
- Effective Date: December 1, 2025
- Sponsoring Representative: Jared Patterson
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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Why it matters
This is part of Our Family — children, families, and growing together.
How this affects households
Under $30,000
This law helps protect your children at school and daycare from unwanted visitors. As a parent, you can still pick up and drop off kids without any problems.
$30,000-$60,000
This law helps keep your kids safer at school by keeping out people who shouldn't be there. Your normal school visits as a parent are still completely allowed.
$60,000-$100,000
This law adds safety protection for your children at school without affecting your daily routines. Parent pickup, dropoff, and school events with permission continue as normal.
Over $100,000
This law provides additional security for your children's schools without impacting your family's school activities. All normal parent involvement remains unchanged.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
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