Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3373

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

Caption

Relating to the provision by school districts of certain records and financial information to the public.

Impact

The implementation of HB3373 will significantly impact how school districts handle public records. By requiring a centralized, user-friendly online repository of documents, the bill aims to promote transparency and accountability in school governance. This could potentially reduce instances of misinformation and enhance community trust in education funding and resource allocation. Districts will need to ensure that their portals are regularly updated, fostering a culture of proactive information sharing.

Summary

House Bill 3373 establishes new requirements for Texas school districts to enhance transparency concerning their operations and financial dealings. The bill mandates the creation of an online portal where essential records are made available to the public. This portal is designed to streamline access to critical documents and reduce the burden of public information requests, allowing individuals to easily obtain data related to district contracts, investment policies, and financial performance reports.

Contention

While the bill may be viewed positively as a step towards improved governmental transparency, some critics may raise concerns about the practicality of maintaining such a comprehensive online portal. There may be discussions regarding the cost implications for school districts, particularly smaller ones, in developing and managing this online system. Additionally, the effectiveness of this initiative in truly improving transparency, rather than merely fulfilling procedural requirements, might be debated.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 44. Fiscal Management
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX HB30

Relating to access to certain law enforcement, corrections, and prosecutorial records under the public information law.

TX SB1754

Relating to certain restrictions on the use of personally identifiable information pertaining to a public school student by an operator or educational entity.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX SB421

Relating to the applicability of certain requirements relating to parental rights, open records, and public information to school districts designated as districts of innovation.

TX SB31

Relating to the applicability of certain requirements relating to parental rights, open records, and public information to school districts designated as districts of innovation.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.