HB 268 — Digital citizenship instruction in public schools

90R348 RAL-D By: González of El Paso H.B. No. 268 relating to digital citizenship instruction in public schools.

SECTION 1. Section 28.002(z), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (z) The State Board of Education by rule shall require each school district to incorporate instruction in digital citizenship into the district's curriculum, including information regarding the potential criminal consequences of cyberbullying , and require students enrolled in grade level six to complete instruction in digital citizenship as part of the district's social studies curriculum . In this subsection: (1) "Cyberbullying" has the meaning assigned by Section 37.0832. (2) "Digital citizenship" means the standards of appropriate, responsible, and healthy online behavior, including : (A) media literacy and the ability to identify credible sources of information, including by analyzing content created or modified by generative artificial intelligence technology, and to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act on all forms of digital communication ; (B) digital ethics, etiquette, respectful discourse with people who have differing opinions, safety, security, digital footprint, and the identification of rhetoric that incites violence based on a person's race, religion, or political affiliation; and (C) cyberbullying prevention and response .

SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2027.