Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3627

Filed
3/3/25  
Out of House Committee
4/29/25  
Voted on by House
5/8/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/22/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/25/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to allowing the chair of the State Board of Education to employ personnel to assist in performing the board's duties.

Impact

The bill is significant as it modifies existing laws by centralizing certain employment decisions within the chair's authority, thereby removing some bureaucratic layers that may have previously hindered the board's responsiveness and functionality. The personnel employed under this act would also have access to benefits typically available to state employees, which could enhance the desirability and stability of such roles within the Board. Moreover, the legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, impacting how the State Board of Education functions thereafter.

Summary

House Bill 3627 aims to empower the chair of the State Board of Education in Texas by allowing them to employ personnel directly to assist in the board's duties. This legislation introduces more flexibility in the operational capacity of the board, as it enables the chair to prescribe the duties and determine the employment status of personnel hired for various functions. By having the capability to extend human resources and administrative support according to needs, the bill seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Board’s operations in the educational landscape of Texas.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 3627 appears to be largely supportive, especially from those advocating for efficient governance within the educational system. Supporters argue that the ability to hire personnel will enable the board to adapt quickly to challenges and demands placed on the education system. However, there have been some reservations about the concentration of power in the hands of one individual (the chair) and concerns about accountability and oversight regarding the newly empowered role.

Contention

Notable points of contention primarily center around the potential for the chair to exercise this new authority in ways that could bypass collaborative decision-making processes. Critics may argue that more centralized control could lead to less transparency and undermined trust amongst board members and stakeholders. The discussions during committee meetings likely reflect a balancing act between the desire for operational efficiency and the necessity for checks and balances in the governance of education in Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 7. State Organization
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Insurance Code

  • Chapter 1551. Texas Employees Group Benefits Act
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Companion Bills

TX SB1884

Identical Relating to allowing the chair of the State Board of Education to employ personnel to assist in performing the board's duties.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1474

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 or provide services related to special education.

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.

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.

TX SB344

Relating to the creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange and premium assistance and cost-sharing reduction programs; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3809

Relating to the study of public education performance.

TX SB28

Relating to financial assistance provided and programs administered by the Texas Water Development Board.

TX HB4028

Relating to the authority of the Texas Physician Assistant Board.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.