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HB33

Regular Session

Relating to active shooter incidents at primary and secondary school facilities and other emergencies.

Critical
High Cost
Effective:2025-06-20
HB33
Relating to active shooter incidents at primary and secondary school facilities and other emergencies.
Critical Urgency
Unanimous Passage
House Vote148 - 0
YEA
100% in favor148 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
Cost Impact
High
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
DPSTCOLETDEMTEA+1 more
Primary Author: Rep. Don McLaughlin
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: June 20, 2025 (Immediate due to supermajority vote).
  • Compliance Deadlines:
  • Immediate: Procurement of breaching tools and ballistic shields for schools.
  • January 1, 2026: Execution of Mutual Aid Agreements between DPS and local Law Enforcement.
  • September 1, 2026: Certification deadline for existing Public Information Officers (PIOs).
  • Agency Rulemaking:
  • December 1, 2025: ALERRT and TDEM must release mandatory incident reporting templates and training guides.
  • Regulatory Gray Zone: From June 2025 to December 2025, the mandate to report exists, but the specific forms do not. Agencies should log data internally until templates are published.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Procure Equipment: Schools must immediately purchase at least one ballistic shield and breaching tool per campus to avoid negligence per se liability.
  • 2. Draft Mutual Aid Agreements: LEAs must initiate contact with DPS to finalize compliant MAAs before the January 1, 2026 deadline.
  • 3. Apply for Grants: LEAs should immediately apply for the $25,000 accreditation grant through the Office of the Governor to offset compliance costs.
  • 4. Audit PIO Credentials: Identify current PIOs and enroll them in TDEM certification tracks immediately to meet the 2026 deadline.
  • 5. Update Incident Protocols: LE and EMS Directors must update General Orders to include the mandatory 45/90-day reporting requirement to TDEM/DPS.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Mutual Aid Agreements (MAA): Legal counsel for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) must redraft MAAs to include "vertical integration" with DPS. Handshake agreements are no longer sufficient; specific statutory language regarding jurisdiction and comms interoperability is required by Jan 1, 2026.
  • Construction & Renovation: School facility contracts must now include a scope of work for a "Security Review" immediately post-completion. Alternatively, a separate third-party security consultant contract is required.
  • Employment Agreements: PIO contracts must be amended to make TDEM certification and annual continuing education a condition of continued employment.

Hiring/Training

  • Public Information Officers: Schools, municipalities, and counties must verify PIO certification. Uncertified staff cannot serve as the primary spokesperson during emergencies after the phase-in period.
  • Law Enforcement & EMS: Mandatory active shooter response training is now required. Agencies must budget for ALERRT-standard training for all field personnel.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Incident Reporting Workflow: LEAs and EMS must implement a 45-day (Preliminary) and 90-day (Final) reporting trigger following any active shooter incident. These reports go to TDEM/DPS and are confidential/exempt from FOIA.
  • Asset Management: Schools must log the location and maintenance of ballistic shields and breaching tools per campus to refute negligence claims.
  • PIO Compliance Files: Maintain a dedicated file proving PIO certification and annual CE credits; TDEM has inspection authority.

Fees & Costs

  • Capital Expenditures: Schools face immediate unbudgeted costs for tactical equipment (shields/tools) for every campus.
  • Grant Revenue: LEAs are eligible for up to $25,000 in grant funding from the Governor’s Office for accreditation costs and $12,500 for reaccreditation.
  • Insurance: LEAs must verify liability insurance coverage to meet new TCOLE minimum standards.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • "Breaching Tool" Specifications: The statute mandates these tools but fails to define technical specifications (e.g., sledgehammer vs. hydraulic kit). Until TCOLE/TEA clarifies, purchase standard tactical breaching kits to ensure defensibility in court.
  • "Security Review" Standards: The Commissioner of Education has not yet defined the rubric for post-construction security reviews. Use existing Texas School Safety Center audit tools as a placeholder to demonstrate good faith compliance.
  • Active Shooter Definition: The trigger for the 45/90-day reporting clock depends on a definition to be finalized by TDEM rulemaking.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Mar 3, 2025
Passed House
Apr 29, 2025
Passed Senate
May 19, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsCity GovernmentCity Government--generalCounty GovernmentCounty Government--generalDisabilities, Persons WithEducationEducation--higherEducation--higher--generalEducation--junior College DistrictsEducation--school DistrictsHealthHealth--emergency Services & PersonnelLaw EnforcementOccupational RegulationOccupational Regulation--other Trades & ProfessionsSafetyState FinancesState Finances--management & ControlCriminal Justice Division, Governor's OfficeEducation Agency, TexasEmergency Management, Texas Division ofLaw Enforcement, Texas Commission OnPublic Safety, Department ofSchool Safety Center, TexasState Health Services, Department ofDisaster Preparedness & ReliefMental Health & Substance AbusePolitical SubdivisionsState Agencies, Boards & CommissionsAudits & AuditorsContinuing EducationPeace OfficersStaff Development & TrainingElectronic Information SystemsFire Fighters & PoliceFire Fighters & Police--generalConstablesSheriffsTexas State UniversityTexas State University--san MarcosUvalde Strong ActEducation--primary & SecondaryEducation--primary & Secondary--charter SchoolsEducation--primary & Secondary--facilitiesEducation, Commissioner of
03

House Authors

Rep. Don McLaughlinRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors
Coauthors (77)

Senate Sponsors

Sen. Peter FloresRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)

Bill Text(with markup)

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View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB33

Q

What does Texas HB33 do?

HB33 (The Uvalde Strong Act) is effective immediately (June 20, 2025), mandating that every primary and secondary school campus procure ballistic shields and breaching tools while imposing strict post-incident reporting workflows on Law Enforcement and EMS. This legislation shifts liability standards, requiring immediate capital procurement, the renegotiation of mutual aid agreements by January 2026, and the professional certification of Public Information Officers. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: June 20, 2025 (Immediate due to supermajority vote).

Q

Who authored HB33?

HB33 was authored by Texas Representative Don McLaughlin during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB33 signed into law?

HB33 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB33?

HB33 is enforced by Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC).

Q

How urgent is compliance with HB33?

The compliance urgency for HB33 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB33?

The cost impact of HB33 is estimated as "high". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB33 address?

HB33 addresses topics including city government, city government--general, county government, county government--general and disabilities, persons with.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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