Sec. 38.027.  ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION POLICY.  (a)  In this section, "electronic communication" means any communication facilitated by the use of any electronic device, including a telephone, cellular telephone, computer, computer network, personal data assistant, or pager.  The term includes e-mails, text messages, instant messages, and any communications made through an Internet website, including a social media website or a social networking website.
(b)  A school district shall adopt a written policy concerning electronic communications between a school employee and a student enrolled in the district.
(c)  The policy adopted under this section must:
(1)  include provisions designed to prevent improper electronic communications between a school employee and a student;
(2)  allow a school employee to elect to not disclose to students the employee's personal telephone number or e-mail address; and
(3)  include provisions instructing a school employee about the proper method for notifying appropriate local administrators about an incident in which a student engages in improper communications with the school employee.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 178 (S.B. 7), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2017.