TX
Texas Senate Bill SB111

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB111

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of Senate Committee
5/7/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to reporting by school districts regarding special education legal proceedings in which a certain amount of legal fees has been incurred by the district.

Impact

If enacted, SB111 would amend the Education Code by introducing new reporting requirements for school districts regarding legal proceedings related to special education. This change is expected to foster greater awareness among lawmakers, parents, and the public about the financial burdens associated with special education litigation. By making this information publicly accessible, the bill is designed to facilitate discussions on legal compliance and resource allocation in special education services across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 111 (SB111) focuses on enhancing the transparency and accountability of school districts concerning legal proceedings related to special education. The bill mandates that school districts report monthly on any ongoing legal cases in which their legal fees exceed $10,000. These reports must detail the general subject matter of the cases and the total legal fees incurred, while ensuring that no personally identifiable information about students is disclosed. This measure aims to provide stakeholders with more insight into the legal challenges faced by school districts and the financial implications thereof.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB111 appears to be cautiously positive, with many stakeholders recognizing the need for transparency in how school districts manage and report on legal matters. Proponents argue that the bill promotes accountability and ensures that school funds are spent responsibly, while also empowering parents and communities with essential information. However, there are some concerns raised regarding the possible administrative burden it may place on school districts, particularly smaller ones that may lack resources to comply with the new reporting mandates.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the potential administrative challenges and financial burdens that reporting requirements may impose on school districts. Critics highlight the concern that smaller districts may struggle with the additional workload, which could divert resources away from educational priorities. Additionally, there are discussions about how the aggregated data will be managed and utilized, with calls for clarity on the implications of this newly mandated openness and whether it could result in unintended consequences.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 44. Fiscal Management
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
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Latest TX SB111 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular SB111

Companion Bills

TX HB3170

Identical Relating to transparency in special education legal proceedings involving a school district and a limit on legal fees that may be spent by a school district in special education legal proceedings.

Previously Filed As

TX SB392

Relating to transparency in certain legal proceedings and contracts involving a school district and a limit on legal fees that may be spent by a school district in certain legal proceedings.

TX HB2510

Relating to transparency in certain contracts involving a school district.

TX SB448

Relating to a special education liaison program and the provision of certain special education services at public school districts.

TX HB3867

Relating to requirements regarding certain behavior management for a student enrolled in a special education program of a public school and related reporting requirements regarding the use of restraint.

TX HB2816

Relating to notice provided to purchasers of property and information filed with the county clerk by certain special districts.

TX SB165

Relating to parental rights in public education and to audits of school district curricula by the Texas Education Agency.

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 HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

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

No similar bills found.