TX
Texas House Bill HB5344

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5344

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

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain persons to provide services as an employee, volunteer, or contractor for certain agencies, including public school contractors, and access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment at public schools.

Impact

Should it pass, HB5344 would revise existing statutes under the Health and Safety and Education Codes. It significantly maintains the integrity of employment practices in public and charter schools by reinforcing stringent evaluation and clearance processes for all contractors and volunteers. By ensuring that all allegations are investigated regardless of an individual's resignation or withdrawal from certification, the bill seeks to prevent potential loopholes that could jeopardize student safety.

Summary

House Bill 5344 focuses on the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking employment as employees, volunteers, or contractors for agencies, particularly affecting those working with public schools. The bill mandates that participatory state agencies conduct investigations into allegations of reportable conduct against employees and ensure that those found to have engaged in such conduct are included in a designated registry. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and accountability of individuals who have direct contact with students.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB5344 involve concerns about the practical implications of enforcing such investigations and inclusivity in the registry. Critics may argue that the bill could establish barriers for qualified individuals due to its strict enforcement of eligibility criteria and could disproportionately affect certain demographics from working in educational environments. Additionally, discussions on the balance between creating a safe space for students and preventing overreach in employment requirements have arisen, especially concerning privacy issues tied to individuals’ past misconduct.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 810. Interagency Reportable Conduct Search Engine
    • Section: New Section

Education Code

  • Chapter 22. School District Employees And Volunteers
    • Section: 0834

Latest TX HB5344 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular HB5344

Companion Bills

TX SB2244

Identical Relating to the eligibility of certain persons to provide services as an employee, volunteer, or contractor for certain agencies, including public school contractors, and access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment at public schools.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3791

Relating to access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment at public schools.

TX HB3201

Relating to access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment in public schools.

TX SB1470

Relating to access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment in public schools.

TX SB1849

Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.

TX SB1192

Relating to access to criminal history record information for certain employees, volunteers, and contractors, and for applicants for those positions, by the Health and Human Services Commission.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB2721

Relating to accelerated and supplemental instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments and access to criminal history record information for certain tutors providing that instruction.

TX HB3793

Relating to the registry maintained by the Texas Education Agency of persons who are not eligible to be employed by public schools.

TX HB272

Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.