Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB 121 fundamentally alters the regulatory landscape by granting the Texas Education Agency (TEA) direct law enforcement authority through the commissioning of peace officers for safety inspections. Additionally, the legislation eliminates indefinite waivers for armed security; districts must now re-evaluate and vote to renew "Good Cause Exceptions" annually, creating a recurring compliance hurdle for districts unable to place armed officers at every campus.
Rep. Ken King·House Bill·Regular Session
Texas Education Agency (TEA) - Now authorized to employ commissioned peace officers/inspectors • Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2025-06-20). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
Affected business types:
mediumModerate costs expected for implementation.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation 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.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB121
HB 121 fundamentally alters the regulatory landscape by granting the Texas Education Agency (TEA) direct law enforcement authority through the commissioning of peace officers for safety inspections. Additionally, the legislation eliminates indefinite waivers for armed security; districts must now re-evaluate and vote to renew "Good Cause Exceptions" annually, creating a recurring compliance hurdle for districts unable to place armed officers at every campus.
HB121 was authored by Texas Representative Ken King during the Regular Session.
HB121 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
HB121 is enforced by Texas Education Agency (TEA) - Now authorized to employ commissioned peace officers/inspectors and Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC).
The regulatory priority for HB121 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB121 is estimated as "medium". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB121 addresses topics including city government, city government--employees/officers, education, education--primary & secondary and education--primary & secondary--facilities.
Key dates for HB121: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Rulemaking: Submit annual report to Governor and Legislature regarding vulnerability assessments and intruder detection audits (recurring annually). (2025-12-31); Appoint new member (public junior college administrator) to the Texas School Safety Center board. (2026-02-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB121 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of Loss of Exemption Status for Failure to renew 'Good Cause Exception' for armed security officers annually (previously indefinite/longer term).; administrative penalty of Loss of Exemption Status for Failure to renew 'Good Cause Exception' for facility safety standards every 5 years.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
HB121 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
