Texas House Bill HB182

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to censure of a member of a school district board of trustees.

Impact

The implementation of HB182 would amend the Education Code by introducing Section 11.180. It outlines both the conditions under which a member can be censured and the procedural requirements that must be adhered to during the censure process. This legislation could impact existing norms within school districts, bringing about a more standardized approach to discipline among trustees across the state. It seeks to empower boards while ensuring that members are afforded fair due process.

Summary

House Bill 182 aims to establish clear procedures for the censure of members of a school district board of trustees in Texas. The bill specifies that a board may censure a member only under certain conditions: if the member is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor infractions) or if they violate established board policies. This regulation is intended to create a transparent framework for handling misconduct among board members, enabling boards to maintain integrity and accountability within school governance.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding HB182 may arise from differing opinions on the adequacy and fairness of the outlined procedures. Some may argue that the censure process could be a tool for political maneuvering and that it requires careful consideration to prevent misuse. Critics may express concerns that the legislation does not sufficiently guard against potential abuses of power by school boards while attempting to hold members accountable. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding the balance between maintaining local autonomy in school governance versus enforcing state-level regulations.