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.