Tyler ISD

At Tyler ISD we are committed to creating a safe, healthy, and thriving educational environment for all our students. One crucial step toward achieving this is addressing the concerning rise of vaping among our youth.

In June 2023, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 114 into law, marking a significant response to the growing concern surrounding e-cigarettes and vaping among our youth. This law specifies that any student found in possession of vaping-related items will be in violation of our Student Code of Conduct, resulting in a mandatory placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP).

It's essential for parents to understand how this law might affect their students. Even if your child possesses an e-cigarette without anything inside it, or any vaping-related component, part, or accessory on school grounds or at a school-related event, they could face a mandatory assignment at a disciplinary alternative education placement (DAEP) for at least 30 days for a first-time e-cigarette offense. Please be aware that students assume responsibility for any items knowingly within their possession, regardless of ownership.

During their time at the DAEP, students are not permitted to participate in school activities. Moreover, they may face removal from specific student clubs or organizations, depending on the rules and regulations of each organization.

Beyond school discipline, the legal consequences are severe. Tyler ISD is required to follow Texas law, and the district is committed to upholding those laws. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices. Students caught with these items on Tyler ISD grounds could face a Class C Misdemeanor and a fine of up to $100. If the device contains THC, they will be arrested and charged with a felony.

As a parent or guardian, it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure your student is informed about this new law. Here's what you can do:

Have an open conversation with your student about the legislation.
Encourage your student to be vigilant about the contents of their backpack, vehicle, and personal belongings.
Remind your student not to allow friends to store prohibited items in your student's belongings or hold such items on behalf of others.
Discuss the adverse health effects of vaping with your student.

Reach out to your student's campus counselor for resources to help them quit.

We've provided resources below to help you start these critical conversations.

Vape detectors accurately monitor the quality of air to detect dangerous vaping chemicals when present in school bathrooms and send notification alerts to assigned faculty members.

We have more than 110 vape detectors at all secondary campuses and the Career & Technology Center.

We understand that addressing the issue of vaping requires access to reliable information. Here are some resources to help you navigate this conversation:

• Centers for Disease Control "Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes"

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - "Vaping Devices (Electronic Cigarettes) DrugFacts"

• Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products

• New Texas law will bring stricter consequences for students caught vaping at school