TX HB5526

Authorizes school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in counties with populations under one million to establish volunteer security programs where eligible individuals may carry handguns while providing security services on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, and in school vehicles

Limits eligibility to qualified retired law enforcement officers (who are honorably retired) or military veterans who are not employees, contractors, or otherwise compensated by the district, and who pass a criminal background check

Requires participating schools to include the program in their multihazard emergency operations plan, provide volunteers with training on safety and security policies, and issue uniforms that clearly identify volunteers

Specifies that school security volunteers are not commissioned peace officers or school resource officers and may not engage in law enforcement activities or exercise police powers

Grants school security volunteers civil immunity equivalent to school district professional employees, except for intentional misconduct or gross negligence, and exempts them from private security licensing requirements under the Occupations Code

Takes effect beginning with the 2025-2026 school year