Bill > SB571

This bill establishes a comprehensive new framework for reporting and investigating misconduct involving educators, employees, and service providers in educational settings. It creates a detailed system for mandatory reporting of various types of misconduct, including sexual conduct, inappropriate relationships, physical mistreatment, and other serious offenses involving students or minors. The bill introduces a centralized registry of individuals not eligible to work in educational settings, requires swift reporting of potential misconduct (often within 24-48 hours), and mandates investigations even if an employee resigns before an investigation is complete. Educational entities, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, and educational providers, must report specific types of misconduct to the State Board for Educator Certification or the Texas Education Agency. The bill also establishes provisions for temporary suspension of certifications, potential criminal penalties for failure to report, and creates a quarterly public reporting requirement about investigations and misconduct. Notably, the bill expands the definition of reportable misconduct to include a broader range of inappropriate behaviors and applies to a wider range of educational settings and service providers, with most provisions taking effect in the 2025-2026 school year.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB571