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HB 1340

Relating to certain federal law enforcement agents serving as armed security officers at public schools and the authority of the chief of school safety and security for the Texas Education Agency to carry a weapon on public school grounds.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Pat Curry

HB 1340 authorizes federal law enforcement agents and Texas Education Agency's security chief to carry weapons in public schools, expanding armed presence in educational settings.

Referred to Public Education
#educationagency #texas(v9941) #education--primary&secondary--otherschoolpersonnel(i0246) #federalrelations(s0862) #governor(i0375) #lawenforcement(i0510) #peaceofficers(s0007)
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Bill Summary · HB 1340

Legislative bill overview

HB 1340 permits certain federal law enforcement agents to serve as armed security officers in Texas public schools and authorizes the chief of school safety and security for the Texas Education Agency to carry weapons on school grounds. The bill clarifies legal authority for these federal agents and state officials to maintain armed presence in school settings.

Why is this important

School safety remains a contentious policy area following high-profile incidents of school violence. This bill directly affects how federal law enforcement and state officials can operate within schools, potentially expanding armed security presence in educational environments where children and families have varying comfort levels with such measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of federal agent authority: Unclear definition of which "federal law enforcement agents" qualify, potentially creating jurisdictional confusion or overreach concerns
  • Armed presence in schools: Ongoing debate about whether armed personnel enhance or create liability in school environments, with research presenting mixed conclusions
  • TEA official authority: Questions about whether a state agency official needs explicit statutory authority to carry weapons, or whether this represents mission creep beyond typical administrative roles

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

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