Texas Governor Greg Abbott is pushing for significantly tougher penalties against educators who engage in inappropriate relationships with students, proposing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Abbott unveiled the plan during a Tuesday press conference in Lubbock, emphasizing that convicted teachers should also be required to register as sex offenders. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows voiced support for the measure, positioning it as a key legislative priority for the upcoming session next year.

The policy push comes as state data highlights a sharp rise in misconduct cases across Texas schools. Misconduct allegations—ranging from improper communications to romantic and sexual relationships between teachers and students—exceeded 1,700 in 2026. That figure represents a threefold increase compared to the previous year. While state officials closed nearly 400 cases following initial reviews, total conviction numbers remain unclear.

State leadership framed the proposal as a necessary deterrent following the recent surge in reports. Abbott stated that thousands of reported violations over the past two years demonstrate that current penalties fail to protect children. He noted that the goal of the proposed law is to achieve zero student victimization through strict statutory consequences.

If enacted, the proposal would build upon legislation passed in 2017. Current Texas law stripped convicted educators of their teaching credentials and taxpayer-funded pensions. Existing statutes also penalize school leaders, subjecting principals and superintendents to fines up to $10,000 or jail time if they knowingly fail to report student abuse or improper relationships.

Lawmakers are expected to take up the proposed mandatory sentencing requirements when the Texas Legislature reconvenes.