Texas public schools have officially kicked off their sports competitions for the academic year, featuring a lineup that includes volleyball, team tennis, and cross country events. Football season is set to commence on Thursday, August 28th. In response to rising concerns about spectator behavior at these events, sports officials in Texas will soon gain enhanced authority to swiftly remove unruly spectators from school sporting events without the need for prior warnings. This change comes as a result of a new law signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
In May 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed Bill SB 2929 into law, allowing referees, judges, and other designated officials to eject spectators without issuing a warning first. This legislation aims to provide a more immediate response to disruptive behavior that could jeopardize the safety and enjoyment of student-athletes and onlookers alike. The bill garnered significant support from both political parties, passing with an impressive bipartisan majority. In the Texas Senate, it received a vote of 30 in favor and just 1 against, with Senator Borris Miles (D-Houston) being the lone dissenting voice. In the House of Representatives, the bill was approved by a vote of 135 to 0, with two members present but choosing not to cast a vote—Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows and Rep. Cody Vasut (R-Brazoria). Additionally, 13 other members were absent but indicated their likely support for the bill.
This new law has already taken effect for the 2025-2026 school year. It will grant officials at scholastic athletic events the authority to remove spectators without warning from any activities sponsored or sanctioned by the school district or the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
Previously, public school administrators, resource officers, and district peace officers were required to issue a verbal warning to an individual engaged in inappropriate behavior before they could take action to eject that individual from school property. This often left officials and audiences vulnerable to ongoing disruptions.
Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), the primary author of SB 2929, stated that “These requirements hinder referees, judges, or other officials from responding appropriately to highly disruptive or dangerous spectators during UIL events.” He emphasized that the bill’s purpose is to improve safety for students and attendees while minimizing disruptions during school sporting events. By enabling immediate ejections of unruly spectators, the legislation seeks to foster a more respectful and encouraging atmosphere at all school-sponsored athletic events.
