83R11251 KEL-D
By: Zedler H.B. No. 3023
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to procedures to resolve complaints against faculty
members at institutions of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.9601 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.9601. PROCEDURES TO RESOLVE COMPLAINTS AGAINST
FACULTY MEMBERS. (a) In this section:
(1) "Faculty member" has the meaning assigned by
Section 51.960.
(2) "Governing board" and "institution of higher
education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) The governing board of each institution of higher
education shall establish and disseminate formal procedures for
resolving complaints filed against faculty members at the
institution.
(c) The complaint procedures must be designed to protect the
rights of faculty members and must provide for:
(1) a written form for filing a complaint against a
faculty member;
(2) a written explanation of the procedures, attached
to the form described by Subdivision (1);
(3) deadlines that permit a faculty member adequate
time to gather and organize documentation and prepare for any
hearing or other proceedings on a filed complaint;
(4) an impartial decision-making body composed of
peers of the faculty member; and
(5) an appeals process that permits a faculty member
to contest an adverse decision.
SECTION 2. The governing board of an institution of higher
education shall adopt the complaint procedures required by Section
51.9601, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than
December 31, 2013.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.