Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB2952

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to the period of time allowed for issuance of decisions by the commissioner of education in certain appeals against school districts.

Impact

The implementation of HB2952 seeks to streamline the appeals process in education-related cases by enforcing a clearer timeline for decision-making by the commissioner of education. By limiting the timeframe for decisions, the bill is expected to provide increased certainty for school districts and appellants involved in disputes. It helps reduce the potential for prolonged uncertainty that can disrupt educational processes and stakeholder confidence in the appeals system.

Summary

House Bill 2952 addresses the duration allowed for the commissioner of education to issue decisions on appeals against school districts. The bill amends Section 7.057(c) of the Education Code, establishing that the commissioner must issue a decision no later than 240 days from the date the appeal is filed, based on a substantial evidence review of the district-level record. Furthermore, parties involved in the appeal can mutually agree in writing to extend this deadline by up to an additional 60 days. This changes the procedure for the review process, aiming to enhance decision-making timelines for appeals concerning school district decisions.

Contention

The noteworthy aspect of HB2952 is its targeted approach toward improving the operational efficiency of appeals involving school districts. While generally considered beneficial for expediting decisions, concerns may arise regarding the rigidity of the timelines. Critics might argue that certain complex cases could require more than the allotted time to ensure thoroughness and fairness in decision-making. Balancing speed with the need for comprehensive reviews could become a point of discussion among educators and legislative stakeholders.

Companion Bills

TX SB1799

Identical Relating to the period of time allowed for issuance of decisions by the commissioner of education in certain appeals against school districts.

Previously Filed As

TX SB43

Relating to expedited appeals of appraisal review board orders in certain appraisal districts.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB58

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.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB9

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.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB4340

Relating to the establishment of the Education Savings Account Program to allow certain children to use public money to pursue educational alternatives to public schools and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.