Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2667

Filed

3/13/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the reporting of private school educator misconduct; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If enacted, SB 2667 would significantly modify how private schools handle allegations of misconduct by educators. The bill mandates that administrative officers notify the State Board for Educator Certification when an educator has a criminal record or when allegations of serious misconduct arise. Consequently, this could affect the operational protocols within private schools and the relationships between school administrators and families, encouraging transparency in handling complaints against educators.

Summary

Senate Bill 2667 seeks to enhance the reporting requirements for misconduct involving private school educators in Texas. The proposed legislation amends existing provisions to ensure that school districts and private institutions have clear policies in place concerning the notification of parents or guardians when an educator is accused of misconduct. It also establishes penalties for administrative officers who fail to comply with these reporting duties. This aims to enhance accountability within the educational system and ensure the safety of students.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to improve student safety and regulatory oversight, there may be concerns around its implementation. Critics might argue that strict reporting requirements could lead to underreporting of allegations or intimidate whistleblowers. There are also questions regarding how the penalties for failing to report, which can amount to substantial fines or disciplinary action, could impact the decision-making process of school officials.

Notable_points

Furthermore, the legislation allows for the creation of an internet portal for filing reports, aiming to streamline the process while maintaining confidentiality. This tech-based approach aligns with current trends in educational administration but raises discussions about privacy and the handling of sensitive information related to alleged misconduct.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

Chapter 21. Educators
- Section: 0061
- Section: 0062
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB122

Relating to reports of certain misconduct engaged in by an employee of a public school, regional education service center, or shared services arrangement and a study by the Texas Education Agency regarding employee misconduct reporting mechanisms.

TX HB4978

Relating to reports of certain misconduct committed by an employee of a public school, regional education service center, or shared services arrangement and a study by the Texas Education Agency regarding employee misconduct reporting mechanisms.

TX SB321

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; providing administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

TX SB1527

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.