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Bill

HB 5526

Relating to a school security volunteer program for public schools in certain counties.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Trent Ashby and 3 co-sponsors

Creates voluntary school security volunteer program in select Texas counties to supplement campus safety with trained community members under district control.

Committee report sent to Calendars
#disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #education--primary&secondary--charterschools(i0245) #education--primary&secondary--discipline(i0244) #education--primary&secondary--otherschoolpersonnel(i0246) #education--schooldistricts(i0220) #lawenforcement(i0510) #military&veterans(i0535) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #volunteers(s1314)
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Bill Summary · HB 5526

Legislative bill overview

HB 5526 establishes a voluntary school security program allowing designated counties in Texas to deploy trained volunteers in public schools to enhance campus safety. The bill creates a framework for volunteer recruitment, training, and deployment while maintaining school district authority over participation decisions.

Why is this important

School safety remains a priority concern for Texas policymakers and parents following high-profile incidents. This bill addresses security staffing gaps in resource-constrained districts by leveraging volunteers, potentially reducing costs while raising questions about volunteer qualifications and liability protections that affect actual school safety outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Volunteer qualifications and training standards – Unclear whether volunteer training requirements match professional security officer standards, creating concerns about inconsistent safety protocols
  • Liability and accountability – Questions about who bears legal responsibility if a volunteer's action or inaction results in injury or security breach
  • County-specific limitations – Restricting the program to certain counties raises equity concerns about which students receive enhanced security measures and why geographic limitations were chosen
  • Integration with existing security – Potential confusion about volunteer roles versus hired security personnel and how coordination affects emergency response effectiveness
  • Transparency and district autonomy – Whether the "volunteer" framework might pressure reluctant districts to participate or shift security burden to unpaid community members

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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