Dripping Springs ISD updated the student code of conduct for the 2023-24 school year, which included a state-mandated disciplinary action requiring the district to place students caught with vape devices in a disciplinary alternative education program.

House Bill 114, which will go into effect Sept. 1, was passed during the 88th legislative session and changed the punishment for students caught an e-cigarette or other vaping device.

Per DSISD’s 2023-24 student code of conduct, a student will be placed into a disciplinary alternative education program, also known as a DAEP, if the student:
  • Possesses or gives another student an e-cigarette
  • Is in possession of, under the influence of, or gives another student marijuana or THC with the exception of students with valid prescriptions
  • Is in possession of, under the influence of, or gives another student alcohol
Additionally, a student can also be placed in the DAEP for committing an assault or a a felony, is publicly lewd or indecent, creates a false alarm or makes a threat, or if the student harasses a district employee.

The DAEP is located at Dripping Springs High School. Students in elementary through high school can be removed from their regular classes and be placed in the DAEP if found in violation of the student code of conduct.

If the DAEP is at capacity, a student placed for conduct in regards to marijuana, THC, e-cigarettes or alcohol can be placed in in-school suspension until able to be transferred, according the DSISD student code of conduct.


More changes to the code of student conduct include banning cellphones in class, banning food delivery services and monitoring student’s online activity on district devices.The full student code of conduct can be found at www.dsisdtx.us/handbook.

The DSISD board of trustees will have a regular meeting Sept. 25.