Texas House Bill HB2739

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the reporting of private school educator misconduct.

Impact

By enforcing stringent reporting obligations, HB 2739 modifies existing state laws related to educator misconduct and private school governance. It introduces new responsibilities for private school administrations, as they will now be required to report any educator with a criminal record or whose employment was terminated or resigned due to misconduct involving students. The bill’s implementation aims to create a safer educational environment for students and provide greater accountability for educators in private institutions.

Summary

House Bill 2739 aims to improve the reporting mechanism for misconduct by educators in private schools in Texas. The bill mandates that if an educator is convicted of a crime or granted deferred adjudication, the court must notify the respective private school within five days. Furthermore, it expands the definition of misconduct to include not only abuse but also relationships with students that border on inappropriate, and it places the onus on private school administrators to report these incidents to the State Board for Educator Certification. This law signifies an effort to bolster student safety by ensuring that misconduct is reported and acted upon promptly.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2739 appears to be largely supportive among those advocating for student safety and accountability in educational environments. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards protecting students from potential harm posed by educators with a history of misconduct. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implications for educators’ due process rights and the potential for overreach in reporting practices.

Contention

Discussion around HB 2739 has highlighted notable points of contention concerning the balance between ensuring school safety and protecting the rights of educators. Critics may raise concerns that the expanded reporting requirements could lead to unjust consequences for educators, potentially stigmatizing individuals for allegations that do not result in convictions. This dynamic raises crucial questions about how to effectively manage educator misconduct while upholding fair treatment principles in private educational settings.