✅Relating to a public institution of higher education’s sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking resources and policy orientation.

✅ SB 800: Stronger campus safety and survivor support at Texas colleges

What it says it does:
SB 800 updates how Texas public colleges and universities educate students about sexual harassment, assault, dating violence, and stalking. It also adds suicide prevention and sexual assault hotline numbers to student ID cards.

What it actually changes:
Every entering freshman and transfer student must complete an orientation that includes a video showing Title IX coordinators, their office contact info, and what services are available. The video must also explain how to report an assault, list local and statewide survivor support organizations, and include information about the state crime victims’ compensation program. ID cards must list the national suicide and sexual assault hotlines, and schools can add local emergency contacts.

Who is pushing for it:
Sen. Zaffirini filed the bill. Support came from the Texas Women’s Healthcare Coalition and the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Who benefits:
Students gain faster access to reporting resources and survivor support. Campus Title IX offices get clearer guidance on what information must be shared. Survivor advocacy groups benefit from more visibility for their services.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Not in files. No clear opposition was listed. Smaller colleges may need to cover minor costs to update their materials without extra funding.

Why this matters long term:
The bill makes Texas colleges more transparent and consistent in how they handle harassment and assault awareness. When students know where to go and who to call, it improves reporting and safety culture across campuses.

What to watch next:
Watch how colleges implement these requirements by the 2025–2026 school year. If schools only meet the bare minimum, the purpose could be lost. Public posting of the required video would improve accountability.

Bottom line:
SB 800 is a positive, low-cost step that strengthens student protections and standardizes Title IX information without shifting power away from the people it serves.

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