TX
Texas House Bill HB2738

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2738

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB2738 will amend several sections of the Texas Education Code. It mandates that school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and other educational institutions promptly report any instances of misconduct or illegal acts committed by their employees. The bill also creates a structured process for the commissioner of education to review misconduct allegations and determine eligibility for employment, ensuring that those who pose a potential risk to students cannot gain access to educational settings.

Summary

House Bill 2738 addresses the employment practices of public school personnel and those affiliated with related entities within the state. The bill enforces stricter regulations regarding the hiring and termination processes, particularly in instances of misconduct. A significant aspect of the bill is the establishment of a registry for individuals ineligible for hire based on specific misconduct criteria, enhancing the school systems' ability to maintain safe educational environments.

Conclusion

In summary, HB2738 seeks to safeguard students by ensuring that public school employees who engage in wrongdoing are carefully monitored and held accountable. The establishment of a misconduct registry is a proactive step towards preventing potential threats within the education system, fostering a more secure learning environment for students across Texas.

Contention

Notably, the bill incorporates provisions that outline the investigative protocols following allegations of misconduct, offering protections for whistleblowers who report such incidents. However, there may be concerns about the stringent reporting requirements and due process for affected employees. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to unwarranted stigma against individuals accused of misconduct, especially considering the serious implications of being placed on the ineligible registry without a thorough and fair review.

Companion Bills

TX SB1256

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

Previously Filed As

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB3255

Relating to emergency response management training for certain administrators and security personnel at public schools.

TX HB4966

Relating to law enforcement agency personnel records and the reporting of separations of license holders to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3680

Relating to the administration of opioid antagonists by a school nurse or school district administrative personnel at public school campuses.

TX SB1996

Relating to certain personnel policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to certain related duties of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.

TX SB1754

Relating to certain restrictions on the use of personally identifiable information pertaining to a public school student by an operator or educational entity.

TX HB5092

Relating to formation, funding, and support of and the applicability of certain laws to charter schools.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

Similar Bills

TX SB1256

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

TX HB3347

Relating to person not eligible for employment in public schools and to measures to ensure publics schools do not employ those persons.

TX HB3977

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.

TX SB1890

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.

TX HB1799

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.

TX HB4206

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1743

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB3617

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.