Bill > HB5344

This bill strengthens regulations around employment eligibility for individuals working in public schools and related agencies by requiring comprehensive investigations and determinations of reportable conduct. Specifically, the bill mandates that participating state agencies must conduct full investigations into allegations of misconduct against employees, volunteers, or contractors, even if the individual resigns or surrenders their professional license. The agencies are prohibited from dismissing appeals or entering settlements that would prevent a formal determination of misconduct. The bill expands the criteria for employment ineligibility to include not just criminal convictions, but also misconduct identified through an interagency reportable conduct search engine. Additionally, the bill provides expanded access to the professional conduct registry for private schools, public schools, nonprofit teacher organizations, and entities that contract with school districts. These changes aim to create a more comprehensive system for screening and preventing potentially harmful individuals from working in educational settings, with the goal of protecting students and maintaining professional standards in schools and related service providers.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5344