Texas Senate Bill SB9

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/10/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/3/23
• Voted on by Senate: 4/6/23
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/23

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB 9 could lead to significant changes in state education laws by amending existing provisions in the Education Code. Key changes include the establishment of a grant program for rehiring retired teachers, as well as financial assistance for certification and examination fees to encourage new educators to join the profession. The bill seeks to improve teacher working conditions and compensation, which supporters argue are essential for recruiting and retaining skilled educators, particularly in underserved areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 9, known as the Teacher Bill of Rights, aims to enhance the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators in Texas. This comprehensive legislation has been introduced to tackle the critical issue of teacher retention and support amid an ongoing teacher shortage in the state. The bill sets forth provisions that require school districts to provide clear duty calendars for educators prior to the start of the school year, thereby aiming to manage expectations around workload and duties outside of formal instructional time.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 9 appears to be mixed but leans towards positive among teacher advocacy groups and supporters within the educational sector. Proponents, such as the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, commend the comprehensive nature of the bill and believe it directly addresses fundamental concerns regarding pay and working conditions, which are crucial factors contributing to teacher attrition. However, some concerns remain regarding the adequacy of funding and whether the provisions included are sufficient to address the complexities of teacher retention.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround the question of whether the funding model is sustainable in the long term. Critics of SB 9, including representatives from larger school districts, have raised concerns over the one-time funding approach that may not offer the necessary financial stability to achieve the bill's goals. Additionally, there are worries about the potential regulatory burden that the bill could impose on school districts, as it attempts to enhance the rights and protections for teachers while also establishing new compliance measures.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 11. School Districts
  • Section: 1513
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 1513
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 1513
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 1513

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 160
  • Section: 457

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: 108
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 112
  • Section: 114
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 105
  • Section: 114
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 112
  • Section: 114

• Chapter 29. Educational Programs
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 153

• Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section