Texas Mandated New Security for School Events
New rules require school districts to staff games and events with uniformed peace officers and maintain written safety plans.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Administration
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The Texas Education Agency has implemented security requirements for UIL events following the passage of House Bill 121 in 2025. These rules mandate specific staffing for uniformed officers and the presence of medical equipment at school functions across the state.
Why it matters
These regulations aim to enhance safety at athletic and social gatherings by ensuring districts proactively manage risks. The shift standardizes emergency preparedness for school events to protect students, staff, and families during large-scale district activities.
Districts must now provide one uniformed peace officer for every 1,000 attendees at events exceeding that size. Furthermore, any venue hosting over 250 people requires a comprehensive written security and medical plan.
The players
Texas Education Agency
The state government body responsible for overseeing public education and implementing safety mandates in Texas school districts.
Texas Legislature
The state governing body that passed House Bill 121 to establish new safety standards for school-sponsored events.
The details
Under the new mandates, host school districts bear responsibility for maintaining security and medical plans for athletic events, practices, proms, and graduations. Districts are also required to coordinate emergency response protocols with local first responders, ensure AED devices are accessible at all venues, and confirm that all coaches and staff complete mandatory CPR and AED training.
Timeline
2025: The Texas Legislature approved House Bill 121.
November 5, 2026: The LBJ-United South football game takes place.
November 6, 2026: The Alexander-United football game takes place.
November 7, 2026: The Nixon-Martin football game takes place.
The Home Front
These mandates follow the implementation of House Bill 121, which formalizes state-level expectations for school facility security. The policy aligns with a broader trend of shifting more administrative and security planning responsibilities directly to the local district level.
Families attending upcoming high school rivalry games should anticipate increased visible security presence at event venues. If you have questions regarding specific safety protocols at your local school, contact your district office to review their published emergency response plans.
The takeaway
These rules prioritize standardizing safety through mandatory staff training and clear response planning for all large events. Families should remain aware that these security measures are now a baseline requirement for all school functions.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Administration across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Laredo Morning Times.
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