TX HB2826

Prohibits school district and charter school officials, employees, and contractors from using public money or resources to engage in "electioneering," defined as posting political signs, distributing political literature, expressing support for or opposition to measures before governmental bodies, or violating existing election and lobbying laws

Creates mandatory reporting requirements for superintendents, directors, and principals who become aware of electioneering violations, with a 7-day deadline; failure to report with intent to conceal is a state jail felony, and other failures may result in administrative penalties of $500-$10,000

Bars individuals found to have violated electioneering prohibitions from serving on school boards for at least 3 years and adds them to a registry making them ineligible for public school employment (3 years for administrators, 1 year for other positions)

Broadly restricts school districts and charter schools from using any federal, state, or local funding to initiate or maintain lawsuits against the state, including ultra vires claims; requires attorney payments for such cases to be held in escrow and only paid if the district prevails

Expands the definition of "political advertising" to include social media platforms and electronic communications, and makes it a Class A misdemeanor for school employees to use public resources to distribute advocacy communications or facilitate student lobbying activities directed at elected officials