This is Part 1 of a two-part series examining the new laws, policies, and legal changes Texas parents should know about before the 2026-27 school year. Be sure to read Part 2 on Monday, August 10, for additional details on student names and pronouns, teacher rights, bathroom policies, and how parents can stay informed about their child’s education.
Texas parents sending children back to public schools this August will see several new education policies take effect or continue to be implemented across the state, including expanded parental rights requirements, statewide cellphone restrictions, and classroom display requirements. Many of the changes come from laws passed during the 89th Texas Legislature.
Some of the policies have already taken effect, while others remain connected to ongoing legal challenges. Parents can expect districts to implement rules based on current state law unless courts issue additional orders.
Expanded Parental Rights Under Senate Bill 12
One of the most significant changes for families is Senate Bill 12, which expanded parental notification and involvement requirements in public schools.
The law requires school districts to provide parents with a standardized parental rights form developed by the Texas Education Agency outlining certain rights and information available to parents under state law. TEA guidance also requires districts to notify parents about certain health-related services available at schools.
Under the TEA guidance, school systems must provide information regarding areas including:
- Parental rights under state law.
- Education records.
- Health-related services.
- Special education services.
- Bilingual education.
- District grievance procedures.
SB 12 requires districts to notify parents about health-related services offered at school and requires notice regarding changes in services or monitoring related to a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.
TEA guidance distinguishes between health-related services, which require notification, and health-care services, which require active, informed parental consent before being administered except in emergency situations.
The TEA guidance states districts must provide written notice before the first instructional day of each school year describing health-related services offered on campus and informing parents of their right to withhold consent or decline those services.
Students Will Face New Cellphone Restrictions
Texas students returning to classrooms will also face new statewide restrictions on personal electronic devices.
House Bill 1481 requires school districts and charter schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during the school day.
The TEA stated the law requires districts to create policies banning student use of personal communication devices on school property during the school day.
The law applies to personal communication devices, including cellphones and other devices capable of electronic communication, unless an exception applies under the law or district policy.
Districts may determine how they enforce the restrictions, including requiring devices to remain stored in backpacks, lockers, or secured storage systems.
The law includes exceptions, including situations involving a student’s health care needs, an individualized education program, or other circumstances authorized by the district.
HB 1481 took effect June 20, 2025, and school systems were required to adopt written policies by September 18, 2025.
Some districts raised questions about whether the law applied during noninstructional portions of the school day. TEA guidance stated districts must prohibit student use of personal communication devices on school property during the school day.
Will Every Classroom Have the Ten Commandments?
Another major change involves Senate Bill 10, which requires each public school classroom to display a copy of the Ten Commandments if the display is donated or purchased with authorized funds.
The requirement applies to each classroom, not simply each school building.
Under the statute, a compliant display must measure at least 16 inches by 20 inches and contain the specific text version of the Ten Commandments outlined in the law.
The law faced immediate legal challenges, and a federal district court initially blocked enforcement. In April 2026, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed the lower court’s ruling and vacated the preliminary injunction, allowing SB 10 to be enforced while litigation continues.
After the Fifth Circuit ruling, additional legal challenges continued, including a lawsuit filed by Texas families alleging that SB 10 conflicts with parental rights and religious freedom protections.
Because litigation is ongoing, implementation could continue to change depending on future court decisions.
As of the time of publication, the law does not require every district to purchase displays; rather, classrooms must display the Ten Commandments if a compliant display is donated or purchased through authorized funds.
What Parents Should Know Before the First Day
For families preparing for the 2026-27 school year, the major changes to watch include:
- New parental notification requirements under SB 12.
- Restrictions on student cellphone use under HB 1481.
- Potential Ten Commandments displays under SB 10.
- Additional state requirements affecting school policies and communications.
Parents can review their district’s policies, request information from administrators, attend school board meetings, and use the rights provided under the Texas Education Code Chapter 26 to remain informed about their child’s education.
Provided by Dallas Express
