Texas lawmakers are tackling the growing concerns over classroom discipline with House Bill 6 (HB 6), a priority piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano). The bill aims to provide teachers and school administrators with stronger authority to manage disruptive behavior and ensure a safe learning environment.
Gov. Greg Abbott has been vocal about the need for discipline reform in Texas public schools, emphasizing in his State of the State address that "we must restore discipline in our schools" by giving teachers greater authority to remove disruptive students. Leach’s HB 6 aligns with this goal, expanding school districts' discretion regarding in-school suspensions (ISS) and disciplinary actions while introducing alternative education programs for students who commit serious offenses.
Addressing a Growing Crisis in Classroom Behavior
The bill comes as educators across Texas report increasing incidents of violence and disruptions in schools. Testimonies from administrators and teachers describe a sharp rise in student misconduct, with many educators citing discipline issues as a major reason for leaving the profession.
Stephanie Howe, superintendent of Corsicana Independent School District, recounted a harrowing incident where an assistant principal was permanently blinded in one eye after being attacked by a student. Similarly, Killeen ISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey described a fatal stabbing at a middle school, as well as daily incidents of students physically attacking classmates and teachers.
“Imagine being a first-grade teacher witnessing a child kicking, biting, and scratching another student for three consecutive days—only to be told that nothing can be done because of policy restrictions,” Fey told lawmakers.
Texas Education Agency (TEA) data highlights the problem. In the 2023–2024 school year alone, over one million ISS actions were taken against 475,000 students, with around 440,000 out-of-school suspensions (OSS) affecting 251,000 students. Reports of assaults against school employees have also surged.
Key Changes Proposed in HB 6
Leach’s bill aims to empower educators with tools to manage classroom behavior more effectively. Some of the key provisions include:
Expanded In-School Suspensions: Schools would no longer face time limits for ISS, giving administrators more flexibility to discipline disruptive students.
Suspension Rules for Younger Students: While HB 6 maintains the prohibition on OSS for students below third grade, it allows exceptions for serious offenses involving weapons, drugs, or significant disruptions.
Virtual Disciplinary Programs: Students expelled from school could be placed in remote learning programs instead of attending traditional in-person disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEP).
Local Control Over E-Cigarette Discipline: The bill gives school districts more discretion over disciplinary actions related to student possession of e-cigarettes.
Legal Actions for Severe Threats: Schools could seek civil injunctions to place students in alternative education settings if a "threat assessment" determines they pose a significant danger to others.
Educators Call for Urgent Reform
Superintendents from various districts have stressed the urgent need for reform, detailing how teachers are left without the authority to discipline violent or disruptive students. Richardson ISD Superintendent explained how a teacher suffered a broken leg after being struck by a student throwing a chair, while Community ISD Superintendent Tonya Knowlton described multiple incidents of teachers being punched, bitten, and sent to the emergency room.
“The real victims aren’t just the teachers—they’re the other students who are eager to learn but are stuck in classrooms filled with chaos,” Knowlton said.
A University of Houston study further highlights the impact of classroom discipline challenges on teacher retention, revealing that nearly 17% of new teachers leave the profession after their first year.
What’s Next for HB 6?
The bill remains pending in committee as lawmakers debate its implications. Supporters argue that stronger disciplinary policies will help restore order and protect students and teachers, while opponents may raise concerns about the potential for overly punitive measures.
With teacher shortages continuing and classroom violence on the rise, HB 6 represents a significant step in the broader discussion about how Texas schools can balance discipline with student rights. The future of the bill will likely shape the way discipline is handled in Texas classrooms for years to come.
