Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2408

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

Caption

Relating to the authority of certain school districts to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Impact

The bill is significant as it seeks to reaffirm local governance in managing employment matters within large school districts. By allowing school boards to negotiate directly with employee associations, SB2408 intends to create a more flexible employment environment which could reflect the unique needs of both districts and their employees. The assurance of local control may enhance job satisfaction and retention among teachers and staff, potentially leading to improved educational outcomes. However, the bill explicitly prohibits strikes by school district employees, aiming to maintain stability within educational operations.

Summary

SB2408 seeks to empower certain school districts in Texas by ensuring they maintain local control over employment matters including wages, hours, and other terms of employment. Specifically, it applies to districts with an enrollment of 180,000 or more, allowing them to enter into agreements with employee associations recognized as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for district employees. This legislation aims to provide a framework for negotiations that align with local interests and conditions, thereby fostering a more tailored approach to employment relations within the education sector.

Contention

While supporters argue that SB2408 strengthens local governance and provides better job security for employees, critics may contend that it could lead to disparities between districts. The bill could be seen as benefiting larger districts at the expense of smaller ones, where resources and negotiating power are limited. Additionally, since the bill restricts employees from striking, there may be concerns over the erosion of workers' rights to advocate for better conditions, raising debates about balancing employee rights with operational continuity in educational contexts.

Companion Bills

TX HB4649

Identical Relating to the authority of certain school districts to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5

Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.

TX SB1880

Relating to the grievance procedure in public schools.

TX SB1848

Relating to the dissolution by election of certain urban area water control and improvement districts.

TX HB4854

Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.

TX HB2937

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX SB907

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX HB5338

Relating to the Harris County Flood Control District and the transfer to it of the assets, programs, and facilities of the Harris County Toll Road Authority; providing for the appointment of the governing body.

TX SB2521

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts.

TX HB2815

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts and to notice a person who proposes to sell or convey real property located in any of certain conservation and reclamation districts must provide to a prospective purchaser of that property.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

TX HB4649

Relating to the authority of certain school districts to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB3977

Relating to conditions of employment for firefighters employed by certain political subdivisions.

TX HB2673

Relating to conditions of employment for an employee of certain sheriff's departments.

TX SB1268

Relating to the right of sheriff's departments in certain counties to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB3276

Relating to the right of sheriff's departments in certain counties to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB1173

Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX SB764

Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB4298

Relating to the right of certain hospital districts to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.