Relating to the disclosure of criminal history record information regarding public school employees.
Impact
The implementation of SB1858 will significantly affect how criminal history records are managed and disclosed within the Texas education system. By restricting access to criminal history information, the bill aims to improve the privacy of individuals involved in public education. Schools, private educational institutions, and other entities that interact with students will have to adhere strictly to the provisions laid out in the bill which includes completing destruction of any records after the purpose has been served. These changes emphasize a balance between the need for transparency in hiring processes and the protection of individual privacy rights.
Summary
Senate Bill 1858 relates to the disclosure of criminal history record information concerning public school employees in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Government Code, particularly Section 411, to define how criminal history information should be handled. It mandates that this information can only be used for specific purposes and prohibits unauthorized disclosure. This measure aims to enhance the confidentiality of sensitive information pertaining to school employees, ensuring that such data is carefully regulated and protected from public access unless certain conditions are met.
Contention
One notable aspect of SB1858 is the ongoing debate around the centralization of control over sensitive information. Proponents argue that this bill creates necessary safeguards that protect educators and staff from undue scrutiny and potential stigma associated with past criminal records. However, critics may raise concerns regarding the implications for student safety and the extent to which educational institutions can vet their employees. The need to protect sensitive information must be weighed against the obligation of schools to maintain environments that safeguard children from individuals with potentially harmful backgrounds.
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.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to the response and resilience of certain electricity service providers to major weather-related events or other natural disasters; granting authority to issue bonds.