Relating to the eligibility of employees convicted of certain offenses to provide services under a contract with a public school.
Impact
The impact of HB 398 is significant as it directly affects how public schools vet employees contracted to provide various services. By tightening the eligibility criteria based on criminal convictions, the bill aligns the hiring practices of contractors with the standards set for public school employees. This measure not only aims to protect students by ensuring that those who provide services do not have troubling backgrounds, but it also promotes a higher standard for contractor compliance with educational regulations. It emphasizes the importance of safety in schools, responding to public concerns about the individuals interacting with students.
Summary
House Bill 398 addresses the eligibility of employees who have been convicted of certain offenses to provide services under contracts with public schools in Texas. The bill amends Section 22.0834(o) of the Education Code to explicitly prohibit contracting or subcontracting entities from allowing employees with felony or misdemeanor convictions that would disqualify them from being employed as educators, as defined in Section 22.085(a). This change aims to enhance the safety and integrity of services provided in public schools by ensuring that individuals with serious criminal backgrounds are excluded from working in educational environments.
Contention
Although the bill is largely seen as a step toward increasing safety within schools, there may be points of contention surrounding its application. Concerns could arise about the fairness of the restrictions on employment opportunities for individuals who may have reformed after their convictions. Additionally, stakeholders might debate whether the enforcement of such requirements could potentially lead to workforce shortages in certain service areas if qualified candidates are excluded due to past offenses. The balance between ensuring school safety and providing opportunities for rehabilitation is a critical aspect of the conversation regarding HB 398.
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 the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.
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.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.