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Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-06-20
HB1458

Regular Session

Relating to the armed security officers required to be present at public schools and the appointment of reserve police officers by a school district police department.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

HB1458: Government Affairs Overview

Effective immediately, HB1458 expands the statutory definition of authorized armed school security to include Reserve Police Officers and Honorably Retired Peace Officers, providing a critical labor pool solution for Independent School Districts (ISDs) struggling to meet the "one officer per campus" mandate. While this alleviates staffing shortages, it triggers immediate requirements for School Board resolutions, distinct HR vetting protocols, and specific insurance adjustments to address liability gaps for non-permanent personnel.

Rep. William Metcalf·House Bill·Regular Session

Moderate
Low Cost
Effective:2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies

School District Boards of Trustees • School District Police Departments • Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

Business Impact

Who HB1458 Affects

This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:

Regulatory Priority: moderate

Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-06-20). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.

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Education

Affected business types:

  • School districts
  • Charter schools
  • Private schools
  • Education service providers
View all education legislation

Key Operational Considerations

  • 1Vetting Protocols: HR must segment intake into three distinct workflows:
  • 2Training: Ensure all Reserve Officers without a permanent license have documented completion of training under Occupations Code 1701.351 and 1701.3525 prior to campus deployment.

Estimated Cost Impact

lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.

Enforcing Agencies

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HB1458
Relating to the armed security officers required to be present at public schools and the appointment of reserve police officers by a school district p...
Moderate Urgency
Unanimous Passage
House Vote145 - 0
YEA
100% in favor145 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
School District Boards of TrusteesSchool District Police DepartmentsTCOLE
Primary Author: Rep. William Metcalf
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 effect due to supermajority vote).
  • Compliance Deadline: August 1, 2025 (Districts must have Board authorizations and vetting protocols in place prior to the 2025-2026 school year deployment).
  • Agency Rulemaking: TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) may issue guidance regarding the reporting of "Active Status" for retirees, but the statute is self-executing. Do not wait for agency rules to begin recruitment.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Schedule Board Vote: Place the "Authorization of Reserve Police Force" resolution on the July Board of Trustees agenda immediately.
  • 2. Update Offer Letters: Draft the Section 37.0816(f) benefits disclaimer and integrate it into all Reserve Officer contracts.
  • 3. Audit Insurance: Send the bill text to your liability carrier to confirm coverage extends to "Reserve" and "Retired" classifications.
  • 4. Segregate Personnel Files: Create a specific audit folder for "Reserve/Retired" personnel containing the Chief's Carry Letter and TCOLE "Active Status" proofs.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Employment Agreements: You must insert a mandatory disclaimer in offer letters for Reserve Officers citing Section 37.0816(f). This clause must explicitly state the officer is not eligible for participation in the district's financial benefit programs or pension funds.
  • Vendor MSAs: If you are a private security vendor or an ISD contracting one, amend the Master Services Agreement to define whether "Reserve" or "Retired" classifications are permitted to fulfill staffing quotas, as their liability profiles differ from full-time peace officers.

Hiring/Training

  • Vetting Protocols: HR must segment intake into three distinct workflows:
  • 1. Active Peace Officers: Standard TCOLE verification.
  • 2. Reserve Officers: Verification of permanent vs. temporary license status.
  • 3. Retired Officers: Verification of "Honorably Retired" status (Gov. Code 614.121) AND current "Active Status" commission with TCOLE.
  • Training: Ensure all Reserve Officers without a permanent license have documented completion of training under Occupations Code 1701.351 and 1701.3525 prior to campus deployment.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Board Resolution: The Chief of Police cannot appoint reserves unilaterally. The Board of Trustees must pass a resolution authorizing the establishment of a reserve force.
  • "Carry" Authorization: The Chief of Police must issue a specific written directive for each Reserve Officer indicating whether they are authorized to carry a weapon 24/7 or *only* during the discharge of official duties.
  • Private Security Flag: Private security firms employing these individuals must flag them in personnel files; they are not exempt from Chapter 1702 (Private Security Act) licensing requirements when working non-school security details.

Fees & Costs

  • Insurance Riders: Expect potential premium adjustments. You may need to purchase specific riders for "Volunteer/Reserve Law Enforcement Liability" and "Workers' Compensation" to cover individuals statutorily barred from standard employee benefits.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • The Chapter 1702 Licensing Trap: The bill explicitly states Reserve Officers are *not* exempt from the Private Security Act (Occupations Code Chapter 1702). This creates a regulatory hazard: A Reserve Officer might assume their police status allows them to work private security side jobs without a license. It does not. Unless TCOLE/DPS issues a specific waiver, you must require these officers to hold a valid Private Security Registration if they perform any security work outside of their direct ISD duties.
  • Workers' Compensation Gap: The law prohibits reserves from receiving "financial benefits" of employment. It is unclear if this statutory bar extends to Workers' Compensation coverage in the event of injury. Consult counsel immediately to determine if a separate accident/indemnity policy is required.

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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.

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Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Nov 22, 2024
Passed House
Apr 17, 2025
Passed Senate
May 25, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
Effective
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsEducationEducation--primary & SecondaryEducation--primary & Secondary--generalEducation--primary & Secondary--other School PersonnelMinorsMinors--health & SafetyOccupational RegulationOccupational Regulation--other Trades & ProfessionsPeace OfficersSheriffs
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House Authors

Rep. William MetcalfRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors

Senate Sponsor

Sen. Charles CreightonRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Rep. William Metcalf

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Related by Topic

View more Education legislation
Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB1458

Q

What does Texas HB1458 do?

Effective immediately, HB1458 expands the statutory definition of authorized armed school security to include Reserve Police Officers and Honorably Retired Peace Officers, providing a critical labor pool solution for Independent School Districts (ISDs) struggling to meet the "one officer per campus" mandate. While this alleviates staffing shortages, it triggers immediate requirements for School Board resolutions, distinct HR vetting protocols, and specific insurance adjustments to address liability gaps for non-permanent personnel.

Q

Who authored HB1458?

HB1458 was authored by Texas Representative William Metcalf during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB1458 signed into law?

HB1458 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB1458?

HB1458 is enforced by School District Boards of Trustees, School District Police Departments and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Q

How significant are the changes in HB1458?

The regulatory priority for HB1458 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB1458?

The cost impact of HB1458 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB1458 address?

HB1458 addresses topics including education, education--primary & secondary, education--primary & secondary--general, education--primary & secondary--other school personnel and minors.

Q

What are the key dates for HB1458?

Key dates for HB1458: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Q

Which Texas businesses are affected by HB1458?

HB1458 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

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.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026