TX
Texas House Bill HB3222

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3222

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to school district policies, appeals to the commissioner of education, and reporting on settlement agreements entered into by a public school.

Impact

One significant provision of HB3222 is the requirement for school districts to adopt clear and comprehensive grievance policies that require multiple levels of review. This includes the establishment of procedures for filing grievances and appeals, as well as safeguarding against retaliation for individuals who come forward with complaints. This could significantly improve the accountability of school boards and provide a clearer path for parents and students to seek redressal for issues concerning educational policies, contractual obligations, and administrative decisions.

Summary

House Bill 3222 addresses several aspects of school district policies in Texas, primarily focusing on the processes for appeals to the commissioner of education, the establishment of grievance policies, and the reporting requirements for settlement agreements entered into by public schools. The bill seeks to create a more structured and transparent mechanism for dealing with grievances raised by parents, students, or employees against school districts, thereby promoting fairness in the appeals process and ensuring that conflicts are resolved effectively within educational institutions.

Contention

While proponents of HB3222 argue that it fosters a more equitable environment within educational frameworks and promotes accountability, critics may express concerns over the potential administrative burden placed on school districts. The necessity to develop and implement detailed grievance policies and maintain compliance with reporting requirements on settlement agreements could strain resources, particularly in smaller districts. Furthermore, discussions about the need for balance between oversight and local autonomy in educational governance might arise, with some stakeholders fearing that overly detailed state requirements could undermine local control.

Notable_points

Overall, HB3222 has the potential to reshape the landscape of dispute resolution within Texas schools by introducing specific statutory guidelines for grievances and appeals. Its focus on managerial compliance with grievance procedures and the mandatory reporting of settlement agreements will likely necessitate an adjustment among educational leaders and administrators in terms of operations. The bill signifies a legislative push towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the education system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 7. State Organization
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 11. School Districts
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 44. Fiscal Management
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 12. Charters
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB165

Relating to parental rights in public education and to audits of school district curricula by the Texas Education Agency.

TX SB1880

Relating to the grievance procedure in public schools.

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB4690

Relating to the grievance procedure used by public schools to address complaints by students or parents.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

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 HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

Similar Bills

TX HB4292

Relating to appeals regarding school laws and a school district's grievance procedure regarding complaints concerning violation of state education law or school district board of trustees policy.

TX SB12

Relating to parental rights in public education, to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction, diversity, equity, and inclusion duties, and social transitioning, and to student clubs at public schools.

TX SB1565

Relating to a school district's grievance procedure and to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction and diversity, equity, and inclusion duties and the loss of funding for public schools that fail to comply with those provisions.

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX SB812

Relating to the grievance procedure in public schools.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX SB1880

Relating to the grievance procedure in public schools.

TX HB7

Relating to parental rights in public education, to the creation of the office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency, and to the reporting of certain misconduct and child abuse and neglect; creating a criminal offense.