OP / ED
Across Texas, extracurricular activities play a vital role in shaping students’ experiences, both on and off the field, on and off the stage, and in the classroom. These programs do more than enrich education; they help build character, teach teamwork and bring communities together. As we look ahead to the 2025– 2026 school year, two recently passed laws — Senate Bill 401 and Senate Bill 2929 — will introduce meaningful changes to how students participate in UIL activities and how school officials handle spectator behavior at events.
The Texas Legislature passed both bills, which will impact public schools across the state. While each district needs to make local decisions on how to implement these changes, families and communities statewide should be aware of what’s ahead.
