Parents In Lubbock Need To Sign Consent Forms This School Year

If you’ve got kids in school here in Lubbock, you’re going to want to pay close attention to a brand-new Texas law that just kicked in. It’s called Senate Bill 12—the “Parents’ Bill of Rights”—and it changes the way schools handle just about everything from Band-Aids to student organizations.

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What the Law Says

Under this new rule, schools must now get written parental consent every single school year before kids can access certain services. That covers things like:

• Getting help from the school nurse (even for basics like first aid, Tylenol, or a temperature check).

• Talking with a counselor or using mental health services.

• Participating in student clubs or extracurriculars.

Here’s the kicker: if a parent doesn’t sign the form, school staff cannot provide these services—even something as simple as an ice pack—unless it’s a life-threatening emergency.

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How It Plays Out in Lubbock

Lubbock ISD and surrounding districts are now rolling out new consent forms at the start of the year. Parents will need to fill them out and send them back, or else be ready for some phone calls. Picture this: your child scrapes a knee at recess, but if the school doesn’t have that form on file, you’ll likely be asked to come pick them up for treatment.

It also means no more signing up for Robotics Club or Debate Team without that all-important signature from Mom or Dad. And counseling services? Same deal.

Why It Matters for Parents

On one hand, the law is about giving parents more control and oversight in their kids’ education and well-being. On the other hand, it could make things tricky if you’re a busy parent who forgets to sign and return paperwork. No form, no services—simple as that.

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So, for Lubbock families, the big takeaway is this: check your mailbox, your email, or your kid’s backpack for that consent form. Sign it, return it, and save yourself (and your kid) a whole lot of headaches later.

The Bottom Line

Whether you see this as a win for parental rights or an extra hoop to jump through, it’s the new reality for schools across Texas—including right here in the Hub City. Emergencies are the only exception. Otherwise, no signature means no service.