Texas Senate Bill SB1890

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to employing, terminating, and reporting misconduct of public school personnel and related entity personnel, including creating a registry of persons ineligible for hire; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The proposed legislation directly influences the way school districts and education service centers approach the hiring and management of their staff. By mandating that schools discharge or refuse to hire individuals listed on the registry, the bill reinforces the commitment to safeguarding students from potential harm. The specific requirement for agencies to notify relevant entities about misconduct cases ensures a more transparent and accountable process within the educational system, ultimately aiming to protect the integrity of public educational institutions.

Summary

SB1890 introduces new regulations concerning the employment and monitoring of public school personnel in Texas. The bill emphasizes the importance of background checks, specifically targeting those with criminal records that impact their eligibility to work with children. It establishes a registry of individuals deemed ineligible for employment based on specific criminal offenses, particularly those involving minors, thus aiming to enhance the safety of students in public educational facilities.

Contention

While the intent of SB1890 is to protect students, discussions around the bill reveal concerns regarding due process for educators accused of misconduct. Critics assert that the legislation's focus on broad criminal history checks could lead to unnecessary exclusions of capable educators, particularly those whose offenses might not correlate with their ability to teach. Balancing the need for student safety with the rights of educators remains a key point of contention, creating a potentially divisive debate in public discourse regarding educational hiring practices.