Texas House Bill HB3131

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the salary paid to certain professional employees of public schools.

Impact

The bill amends current provisions in the Education Code and is designed to apply starting from the 2019-2020 school year. This change could potentially have significant implications for how school districts allocate their budgets towards faculty salaries. By guaranteeing a minimum salary, it could lead to increased financial stability for public school employees, which may, in turn, help with teacher retention and recruitment in an increasingly competitive job market for educators.

Summary

House Bill 3131 addresses the salary structures for certain professional employees within public schools in Texas. The bill specifically outlines salary entitlements for classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time school counselors, and full-time school nurses, ensuring they receive a monthly salary that is at least equal to what they would have received under the previous salary schedule, along with an additional $500. This amendment aims to enhance the compensation framework for these essential educational professionals, reflecting a commitment to improving their financial conditions.

Contention

While the bill seeks to bolster compensation for select school employees, there could be underlying concerns regarding the impact on district budgets and resources. Critics may argue that ensuring such salary guarantees could strain smaller school districts, particularly those already facing funding challenges. Therefore, the legislative discourse surrounding HB3131 could include discussions on the sustainability of these salary increases and the potential need for additional state funding to support these measures.