TX
Texas Senate Bill SB79

Texas 2023 - 88th 3rd C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB79

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the appointment of an inspector general for education and the creation of a division of inspector general for education in the governor's office to investigate the administration of public education.

Impact

If enacted, SB79 will significantly affect the oversight mechanism of public education, as it formally places an inspector general with investigatory power within the governor's office. This could centralize the authority for oversight and accountability in a way that might streamline investigations into educational misconduct or mismanagement. Proponents argue that this move will strengthen the integrity of the education system by ensuring that issues of fraud and non-compliance are effectively addressed. However, it raises questions regarding the balance of power between local school districts and state authority.

Summary

SB79 aims to establish an inspector general for education within the governor's office, with authority to investigate the administration of public education in Texas. The bill outlines the responsibilities of this inspector general, which include investigating allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse, as well as ensuring compliance with established safety and security regulations within educational institutions. It also provides for the issuance of subpoenas to gather necessary information related to investigations, thereby enhancing oversight of public education agencies throughout the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB79 appears to be mixed. Supporters of the bill, primarily from the Republican side, view it as a necessary step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in the education sector. They argue that a dedicated inspector general would provide an essential check on school districts, potentially leading to improved educational outcomes. Conversely, some opponents, particularly from Democratic circles, have expressed concerns about increased state control over local educational institutions and fear that it might inhibit localized decision-making that addresses the unique needs of different communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB79 include fears of overreach and the potential politicization of the inspector general's office. Critics worry that placing such investigations under the control of the governor could lead to misuse of power for political gains, as well as a reduction in local school board autonomy. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the adequacy of oversight and the actual impact of such investigations on improving educational outcomes versus merely enforcing compliance. The balance between effective governance and local educational authority remains a critical aspect of the ongoing discussions around this legislation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
    • Section: New Section

Latest SB79 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB208

Identical Relating to the appointment of an inspector general for education and the creation of a division of inspector general for education in the governor's office to investigate the administration of public education.

Previously Filed As

TX SB690

Relating to the appointment of an inspector general for education and the creation of a division of inspector general for education in the governor's office to investigate the administration of public education.

TX SB1862

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education.

TX SB1868

Relating to the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1698

Relating to peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.

TX HB3888

Relating to peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.

TX HB3981

Relating to the designation of certain fire marshals and related officers, inspectors, and investigators as peace officers.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

Similar Bills

CA SB1488

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District: Office of the BART Inspector General.

CA SB827

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District: Office of the BART Inspector General.

CA SB991

School districts: Los Angeles Unified School District: inspector general.

TX SB1743

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB3617

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB4206

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.

MN SF1219

Office of the Inspector General establishment; requiring a fraud hotline; Requiring agencies to halt payment when fraud is suspected; elimination of agency based offices of inspector general; appropriation

MN HF1

Office of Inspector General established, powers and duties provided, enhanced grant oversight provided, retaliation prohibited, existing executive Offices of Inspector General transferred or repealed, fraud detection and prevention provided, conforming changes made, reports required, and money appropriated.