Measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, public school safety and security requirements, and the provision of safety-related resources

Texas House Bill 3351 (HB3351), introduced in 2025, aimed to enhance public school safety by allowing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to commission peace officers, establishing specific safety and security requirements for public schools, and providing resources related to safety. The bill was referred to the House Public Education Committee on March 21, 2025, but did not progress further and ultimately died in committee. A similar bill, House Bill 121 (HB121), which included provisions for commissioning peace officers by the TEA and outlined public school safety and security requirements, was passed and became effective on September 1, 2025.

Media coverage highlighted HB3351's intent to strengthen school safety by empowering the TEA to commission peace officers and set clear safety standards. Supporters praised the bill for addressing critical safety concerns in public schools and for providing necessary resources to enhance security measures.

Critics expressed concerns that HB3351 could lead to an increased law enforcement presence in schools, potentially affecting the school environment and student well-being. There were also apprehensions about the financial implications of implementing the proposed safety measures and whether the bill adequately addressed the root causes of school safety issues.