Q
What does Texas SB1207 do?
SB1207 mandates the inclusion of specific adoption instruction within the Parenting and Paternity Awareness (P. A. P.
Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB1207
Regular Session
Relating to instruction on adoption in the parenting and paternity awareness program in public schools.
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1207: Government Affairs Overview
SB1207 mandates the inclusion of specific adoption instruction within the Parenting and Paternity Awareness (P. A. P.
Phil King·Senate Bill·Regular Session
ModeratePlan for compliance
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Office of the Attorney General (OAG) • State Board of Education (SBOE) • Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Business Impact
Who SB1207 Affects
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Regulatory Priority: moderate
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-09-01). 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
Key Operational Considerations
- 1Teacher In-Service: Schedule mandatory training for Health educators during the August 2025 in-service period. Training must cover the new OAG-provided modules.
Estimated Cost Impact
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
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SB1207
ModerateRelating to instruction on adoption in the parenting and paternity awareness program in public schools.
Moderate Compliance Urgency
Requires near-term attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01Enforcing Agencies
OAGSBOETEA
Primary Author: Phil King
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
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Compliance Analysis
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: September 1, 2025.
- Compliance Deadline: August 2025. Because the statute applies "beginning with the 2025-2026 school year," districts must have the curriculum ready for the first day of instruction, which typically precedes the statutory effective date.
- Agency Rulemaking: The State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) must revise the P.A.P.A. program materials prior to the 2025-2026 school year. Expect updated curriculum standards to be released in Spring/Summer 2025.
Immediate Action Plan
- 1. Immediate: Flag the 2025-2026 Health curriculum for revision. Notify Academic Directors that the current P.A.P.A. module is obsolete effective August 2025.
- 2. Q2 2025: Monitor the SBOE and OAG websites for the release of the updated P.A.P.A. curriculum materials.
- 3. July 1, 2025: Deadline to finalize vendor updates or internal curriculum guides to ensure readiness for the "August Gap" between school start and the statutory effective date.
- 4. August 2025: Conduct training for all Health teachers on the new adoption modules and liability limitations.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
- Curriculum Vendors: Review Master Services Agreements (MSAs) with health education providers and LMS vendors. Add an addendum requiring certification that their content libraries are updated to reflect the SB1207 amendments to Texas Education Code § 28.002(p).
- External Consultants: If your district supplements the P.A.P.A. program with guest speakers (e.g., adoption agencies), update their service agreements to ensure their presentations align with the new statutory requirement to distinguish between private adoption and foster care.
Hiring/Training
- Teacher In-Service: Schedule mandatory training for Health educators during the August 2025 in-service period. Training must cover the new OAG-provided modules.
- Liability Guardrails: Instruct educators that while they must teach the "process" and "legal rights" of adoption, they are not attorneys. Training must clearly define the boundary between educational instruction and unauthorized practice of law.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
- TEKS Verification: Documentation of curriculum delivery must explicitly track the three new required pillars: (1) difference between private/foster adoption, (2) the adoption process, and (3) adoption as an alternative to parenting.
- Audit Trail: Maintain records of the specific materials used (OAG-provided vs. supplemental) to demonstrate compliance in the event of a TEA audit or parental grievance.
Fees & Costs
- Budget Impact: Low. The state provides the core P.A.P.A. curriculum materials at no cost.
- Indirect Costs: Allocation of hours for curriculum development and teacher training time.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
- Depth of "Process" Instruction: The statute requires instruction on the "process for adopting." It is currently undefined whether this requires a high-level overview or a detailed explanation of legal filings. Districts should adhere strictly to OAG-provided materials to avoid liability for misrepresenting complex legal procedures.
- Middle School Application: The law permits, but does not require, this instruction in middle schools. Districts must make a formal policy decision on whether to expand this curriculum downward or restrict it to high school Health classes.
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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.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Senate Authors
House Sponsors
Joint Sponsors
Fiscal NoteView Original
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Related by Topic
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- HB2Relating to public education and public school finance.
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- HB27Relating to courses in personal financial literacy for high school students in public schools.
- HB2789Relating to the regulation of child welfare, including licensure, community-based care contractors, family homes, and child-care facilities.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SB1207
Q
Who authored SB1207?
SB1207 was authored by Texas Senator Phil King during the Regular Session.
Q
When was SB1207 signed into law?
SB1207 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce SB1207?
SB1207 is enforced by Office of the Attorney General (OAG), State Board of Education (SBOE) and Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Q
How significant are the changes in SB1207?
The regulatory priority for SB1207 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
Q
What is the cost impact of SB1207?
The cost impact of SB1207 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does SB1207 address?
SB1207 addresses topics including education, education--primary & secondary, education--primary & secondary--curriculum, family and family--parent & child.
Q
What are the key dates for SB1207?
Key dates for SB1207: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Update the Parenting and Paternity Awareness (P.A.P.A.) program curriculum to include mandated adoption modules (private vs. foster care, processes, and alternatives). (Prior to 2025-2026 School Year). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
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