Texas House Bill HB1368

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/18/24
• Out of House Committee: 5/5/25
• Voted on by House: 5/13/25

Caption

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1368 is expected to change how schools manage communication with families, particularly concerning the availability of key support personnel. By mandating parental notifications in cases of prolonged absence of crucial staff, the bill aims to reinforce accountability among school administrations. This change could lead to schools working harder to ensure that these positions are filled and maintained, recognizing the pivotal role they play in student welfare and educational success.

Summary

House Bill 1368 introduces a requirement for public schools in Texas to notify parents when there is a lack of assigned staff, specifically a nurse, school counselor, or librarian, during instructional hours. If a full-time professional is absent for more than 30 consecutive instructional days, the school must provide written notice to the parents or guardians of students enrolled at the school. This measure aims to enhance communication between schools and families regarding essential support roles that contribute to the educational environment.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1368 appears to be supportive among those who prioritize transparency and parental involvement in their children’s education. Proponents argue that parents should be kept informed about their children's school environments, particularly when vital support roles are unfilled, as this can affect student success and safety. However, there could be apprehensions from school districts regarding the administrative burden and potential implications on staffing decisions.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve the communication of staff shortages to parents, some concerns have been raised about the practicality of implementation. School districts with fewer resources may struggle to notify parents consistently, raising questions about the feasibility of the 30-day notification mandate. Additionally, the stipulation that the law does not apply to schools with fewer than 10,000 students may lead to discrepancies in how smaller schools manage their notifications, potentially creating inequities in the level of information shared with parents.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 25. Admission, Transfer, And Attendance
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

• Chapter 301. Nurses
  • Section: New Section