Rep. Mitch Little came out swinging in defense of Texas children. HB 4623, which was signed into law, establishes liability for public schools and their professional employees for certain injuries to students. Schools and employees can be held jointly and severally liable for acts including sexual misconduct, failure to report child abuse, or negligent and intentional acts that cause harm. It waives governmental immunity for schools and eliminates official immunity protections for school employees in such cases. Plaintiffs can seek actual damages, court costs, attorney's fees, and exemplary damages.

It was one of the few House bills that moved to the Senate in mid-May that also passed through the Senate before the end of session.

Christin Bentley, chair of the SREC committee for the priority Stop Sexualizing Texas' Children, had great things to say about its passage:

"Texas just took a bold step toward ending the epidemic of sexual abuse in our public schools. HB 4623 (Rep. Mitch Little/ Sen. Paxton) creates civil liability for school districts that knowingly or negligently hire, shield, or fail to report abusive educators - whether for sexual or physical abuse. Paxton and Little are a dream team! Thank you both for your steadfast commitment to protecting children! No more coverups, no more passing predators from one school to the next, and no more hiding behind sovereign immunity."