In this chapter:

1. (1) "Open-enrollment charter school" has the meaning assigned by Section 5.001, Education Code.

2. (2) "Professional school employee" includes:

   1. (A) a superintendent or administrator serving as educational leader and chief executive officer of the school, principal or equivalent chief operating officer, teacher, including a substitute teacher, supervisor, social worker, school counselor, nurse, and teacher's aide employed by a public school;
   2. (B) a teacher employed by a company that contracts with a public school to provide the teacher's services to the school;
   3. (C) a student in an education preparation program participating in a field experience or internship;
   4. (D) a school bus driver certified in accordance with standards and qualifications adopted by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas;
   5. (E) a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district or a member of the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school; and
   6. (F) any other person employed by a public school whose employment requires certification and the exercise of discretion.
3. (3) "Public school" means an independent school district or an open-enrollment charter school.
4. (4) "Sexual misconduct" means sexual abuse or conduct described by Section 20A.02, 21.02, 21.07, 21.08, 21.11, 21.12, 21.15, 21.16, 21.165, 21.17, 21.18, 21.19, 22.011, 22.012, 22.021, or 43.25, Penal Code.

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (H.B. 4623), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.