Abbott Proposes 10-Year Minimum for Educators Who Abuse Students

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is proposing tougher penalties for educators convicted of improper relationships with students, including at least 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. The proposal would also eliminate community supervision, deferred adjudication, parole and mandatory supervision for those convicted, but the changes would need approval from the Texas Legislature.

What Would Abbott's Proposal Change?

According to WFAA, Abbott announced the proposal during a roundtable meeting with law enforcement officials and school superintendents in Lubbock. The proposed changes would require approval from the Texas Legislature before becoming law.

READ MORE: Gov. Abbott Orders Texas Data Center Audit

When Could the Proposed Changes Become Law?

Under the proposal, people convicted of an improper relationship between an educator and a student would not be eligible for community supervision, deferred adjudication, parole or mandatory supervision.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said lawmakers would work with Abbott during the next legislative session on the proposed changes.

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Why Abbott Says Tougher Penalties Are Needed

Abbott's office also highlighted Kyreeá Flores, a survivor who spoke about her experience and the importance of recognizing warning signs.

The tougher penalties are intended to prevent people who abuse their position of trust from returning to schools and creating a safer environment for Texas students.

The proposal is expected to be considered when state lawmakers return for the next regular legislative session in 2027.

From a personal perspective, this is something I believe Texas needs to make happen. Educators are entrusted with protecting and educating children, so any abuse of that position of power deserves serious consequences. This is one proposal that I think all Texans can agree on, we need to do everything possible to keep kids safe.