TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1344

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1344

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

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 bill, if enacted, will amend the Education Code to include stipulations regarding the availability of essential school staff. Specifically, it defines what constitutes a full-time equivalent for nurses, counselors, and librarians and clarifies the notification process. This new requirement aims to encourage schools to prioritize hiring and retaining these critical personnel, which could enhance student support services. Additionally, the bill reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and educational resources in the school environment.

Summary

SB1344 introduces a requirement for public schools in Texas to notify parents if there is no full-time nurse, school counselor, or librarian present during all instructional hours. This legislative measure seeks to enhance transparency regarding the resources available to students and ensure parents are informed of significant staffing shortages that could impact their children's education. The bill mandates that parents be notified in writing if such a position remains vacant for more than 30 consecutive instructional days, designed to promote accountability among educational institutions.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the feasibility of this bill, particularly regarding resource allocation. Critics could argue that certain schools, especially those in districts with limited funding or lower enrollment, may struggle to meet the requirements laid out in SB1344. Concerns might also arise about the adequacy of the notification system, ensuring that all parents, especially those who speak languages other than English, receive timely and comprehensible information. The law exempts smaller districts with fewer than 10,000 students, which may lead to discussions about equity and the implications for school districts of varying sizes.

Implementation

The provisions of SB1344 are set to take effect starting in the 2025-2026 school year, allowing schools time to prepare for compliance. However, the effectiveness of this legislation will depend on how well schools manage staffing challenges and communicate with parents during vacancies. Furthermore, this bill could influence state policies on educational funding and staffing, highlighting the necessity for adequate resources to support all students.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 25. Admission, Transfer, And Attendance
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 21. Educators
    • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 301. Nurses
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB1368

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2694

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.

TX HB1281

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

TX HB1854

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

TX SB193

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

TX HB2176

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

TX HB1061

Relating to a notification requirement concerning the availability of nurses on the campus of a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school.

TX HB11

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.

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 HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

Similar Bills

HI HR215

Congratulating The 2022 National Distinguished Principal, 2022 National Outstanding Assistant Principal, 2022 Golden Key Awardee, 2022 Outstanding Library Service Awardee, And 2023 Hawaii School Counselor Of The Year.

TX HB106

Relating to a minimum salary schedule for certain professional public school employees with more than 20 years of experience.

CA SB241

Community colleges: personnel: qualifications.

TX HB2694

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.

TX SB78

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

TX SB299

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

TX SB196

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

TX HB1847

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.