Relating to the eligibility of employees convicted of certain offenses to provide services under a contract with a public school.
Impact
The introduction of SB1042 will directly affect how public schools hire contractors and subcontractors for various services. It imposes stricter criteria for those who are eligible to work within educational facilities, aiming to align the eligibility requirements with those for educators. This could lead to increased scrutiny of contracted employees' backgrounds, thereby potentially reducing the risk of employing individuals with serious criminal histories in educational settings.
Summary
Senate Bill 1042 amends the Texas Education Code regarding the eligibility of employees convicted of certain offenses to provide services under contracts with public schools. Specifically, the bill stipulates that contracting or subcontracting entities are prohibited from allowing any employee who has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor that would prevent them from being employed as an educator. This change aims to enhance the safety and integrity of public school environments by restricting access to services by potentially unsuitable individuals.
Contention
While the bill seeks to ensure a safer educational environment, concerns may arise regarding the implications for employment opportunities for individuals with a criminal history. Critics of stringent employment restrictions often argue that such policies could create barriers to reintegration for individuals who have served their time and seek to contribute positively to society. Balancing public safety and the rights of rehabilitated individuals could be a point of contention as the bill progresses through legislative discussions.
Last_action
SB1042 received a vote to take effect immediately on June 17, 2011, indicating that the legislature prioritized the swift implementation of the bill's provisions.
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 establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
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.