(Just The News)—The Texas House on Wednesday passed with strong bipartisan support a bill to address what’s been called the “sexual abuse crisis” in Texas public schools.
HB 4623, filed by state Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, seeks to provide redress in response to tens of thousands of complaints filed against Texas educators.
“We have a sexual abuse crisis in our public schools in Texas. It’s indisputable and we can’t look away,” Little said when discussing his bill on the House floor Tuesday night.
“In 2019, this chamber established a mandatory educator misconduct reporting portal. Between September 21, 2021, and July 2024, there were 52,782 total complaints recorded against Texas educators,” he said.
Little said he paid $60 to have the House Printing Office print out a spreadsheet detailing the complaints by House district, which totals 1,533 pages.
“In the last three years, there were 6,888 reports of sexual and violent misconduct by public school employees against our students in the state of Texas,” he said. “As of July 2024, 6,654 of these allegations were left unresolved.”
The report lists 44,349 educators “who were flagged as ‘do not hire’ in the state of Texas. Yet, enforcement actions remain either inconsistent or nonexistent at all,” he said.
His bill “seeks to provide for civil claims against Texas public schools or professional school employees when there is justification,” according to the bill analysis. It removes sovereign immunity from public school districts for certain acts and omissions by their employees to constitute sexual misconduct.
“We now cannot go in Texas one single week without learning of a new active sex abuse against a child in our public schools. These are euphemistically referred to as an ‘improper relationship’ between a student and educator. That is not what this is,” Little said, referring to sex abuse of a child.
There were 38,778 abuse cases reported statewide, but no formal investigation was opened in response to any of them, he said, referring to the report.
“We must do better. We can do better. This bill will allow the courts some ability to at least … address the harms that are occurring in our public school system,” he said.
The bill would amend state code “to make an independent school district or open-enrollment charter school liable for an act or omission that is committed by a professional school employee against a student enrolled in the district or charter school,” including sexual misconduct or failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect as required under state law.
The bill requires that a professional school employee who committed the act or omission be named as a defendant and makes the district or charter school and employee jointly and severally liable. It requires the claimant to be awarded actual damages, court costs, and reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees. The bill establishes that these remedies are in addition to any other legal remedies.
It defines a professional school employee as a superintendent, principal or equivalent chief operating officer, teacher, substitute teacher, supervisor, social worker, school counselor, nurse, and teacher’s aide employed by a district or charter school; a contract teacher; student in education preparation program; school bus driver; school board member or trustee, among others.
It defines “sexual misconduct” as any sexual abuse or conduct including “trafficking of persons; continuous sexual abuse of young child or disabled individual; public lewdness; indecent exposure; indecency with a child; improper relationship between educator and student; invasive visual recording; unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material; unlawful production or distribution of certain sexually explicit videos; voyeurism; sexual coercion; unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material; sexual assault; indecent assault; aggravated sexual assault; or sexual performance by a child,” according to the bill language.
The bill passed with widespread bipartisan support by a vote of 109 to 19.
The 19 who voted against the bill include Republicans and Democrats: Darby; Davis, Y.; Flores; Gates; González, J.; Goodwin; Hayes; Howard; Jones, V.; Manuel; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos; Romero; Schofield; Simmons; Smithee; Thompson; Vo, according to an unofficial vote reported by the Texas Legislature.
Six voted “present, not voting”: Anchía; Bryant; Collier; Harris(C); Hinojosa, and the speaker, who has generally voted present on motions and bills before the chamber.
The bill heads to the Senate for consideration.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.