Texas House Bill HB401

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Texas Sexual Assault Evidentiary Council.

Impact

The implications of HB 401 on state laws are significant as it modifies existing provisions concerning salary entitlements for specific educational personnel. The alterations in salary calculations could lead to increased financial obligations for school districts, necessitating adjustments to local budgets or potential reliance on state funding. The bill sets a precedent for the treatment of public school employees' salaries in Texas, indicating a commitment to maintaining competitive compensation rates for essential educational staff.

Summary

House Bill 401 seeks to amend the Texas Education Code regarding the salary structures for certain professional roles within public schools. This bill focuses on ensuring that teachers, librarians, school counselors, and school nurses receive compensation that is reflective of their previous salaries, with a specific increase included for the 2019-2020 school year. The proposed legislation establishes that these educators should receive at least the salary they were entitled to in the prior year, plus an additional $400, ensuring a minimum level of compensation amid budget considerations and funding availability in Texas public schools.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 401 highlight some notable points of contention. Supporters argue that ensuring stable and predictable salaries for teachers and school staff is crucial for the quality of education and retention of skilled professionals within the educational system. Conversely, critics may express concerns regarding the long-term financial sustainability of such mandatory salary increases, particularly in districts facing budget constraints. Balancing adequate funding for salaries while maintaining efficient use of public resources remains a pivotal issue in the conversations regarding this bill.