Bill > HB3617

This bill creates the Office of Inspector General for Education within the Texas Education Agency to independently investigate misconduct, fraud, waste, and abuse in public education. The inspector general will be appointed by the board with specific qualifications, serving a four-year term and operating with significant investigative powers, including the ability to issue subpoenas, take depositions, and access records. The bill expands reporting requirements for school districts and educational entities when employees engage in misconduct, particularly those involving abuse, sexual contact with students, or other serious offenses. Superintendents and principals must now report such allegations within 24 hours to the Office of Inspector General and notify parents about potential misconduct. The bill introduces new protections against retaliation for reporting misconduct and establishes more stringent penalties for failing to report, including administrative penalties up to $10,000, potential certification suspension, and mandatory additional training. The Office of Inspector General will be responsible for investigating these allegations, maintaining a confidential database of complaints, and providing semi-annual reports to state leadership. The bill also creates a criminal offense for interfering with investigations, which can result in a Class B misdemeanor. The new office and reporting requirements aim to enhance accountability and protect students by creating a more robust system for investigating and addressing misconduct in educational settings.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3617