Texas House Bill HB129

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the assignment of certain certified or licensed professionals to certain public schools.

Impact

HB129 is designed to impact state education policy by providing structure for hiring and assigning essential support staff in public schools. By ensuring that professional roles are filled, the legislation aims to improve the quality of support services available to students who may struggle academically or socially. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for additional state aid to assist school districts in employing the required certified professionals, which could alleviate financial burdens on these districts while simultaneously meeting staffing needs.

Summary

House Bill 129 focuses on the assignment of certified and licensed professionals, such as school counselors, therapists, and nurses, to public schools that serve a high percentage of educationally disadvantaged students. Specifically, it mandates that school districts assign at least one qualified professional to campuses where 90 percent or more of the students fall into these categories. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that schools with a greater need for support services have the appropriate personnel available to assist students, which can enhance educational outcomes and well-being.

Contention

Although HB129 has a clear intent to enhance student support in underprivileged schools, potential points of contention include the requirements placed on school districts and the implications for funding allocation. Critics may argue about the feasibility of hiring sufficient professionals given budget constraints or the effectiveness of such measures in truly addressing the needs of educationally disadvantaged students. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding the adequacy of state aid to cover the hiring requirements and whether the bill appropriately addresses the varying needs of different school districts across the state.