Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Texas House Bill HB92

Caption

Relating to personal leave provided for a public school teacher who must isolate due to exposure to or testing positive for certain diseases.

Impact

The enactment of HB 92 has potentially significant implications for school districts and their teachers. It not only expands the leave options available to teachers but also introduces a mechanism for local education authorities to reimburse for the costs associated with hiring substitute teachers. This move reflects an increased recognition of the health needs of educators, particularly in light of the recent pandemic, and places an emphasis on maintaining educational continuity despite health challenges within the workforce.

Summary

House Bill 92 aims to provide public school teachers with personal leave when they are required to isolate due to exposure or testing positive for diseases such as COVID-19. This bill amends Section 22.003 of the Education Code, establishing a new section (22.0031) specifically designed to address disaster leave for teachers. The legislation requires school districts to offer compensation to teachers who cannot perform their duties remotely under these circumstances, ensuring that they have the right to take leave without it being deducted from their existing leave balances.

Contention

There may be concerns surrounding the funding and logistical implementation of this leave policy. While the bill obligates the state commissioner to reimburse districts for costs incurred when implementing disaster leave, some may be wary of the financial implications for school districts, especially those already facing budget constraints. Additionally, the limited timeframe for reimbursement related to leave taken before February 1, 2022, raises questions about the adequacy and sufficiency of such measures in the face of ongoing health crises.

Expiration

Certain provisions of the bill, specifically those requiring reimbursements for leave prior to February 1, 2022, are set to expire on January 1, 2023. This creates a sense of urgency for both educators and district administrators to navigate this new leave policy effectively before the expiration date, which could lead to further discussions about the sustainability of these measures in the future.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1566

Relating to the use of certain personal leave by school district teachers.

TX HB768

Relating to the use of personal leave during school holidays by certain school district employees.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB2471

Relating to certain claims for benefits, compensation, or assistance by certain public safety employees and survivors of certain public safety employees.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB2927

Relating to quarantine leave for certain public safety employees.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB177

Relating to a bonus payment for certain public school employees and to the public school finance system.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.