Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2244

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

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain persons to provide services as an employee, volunteer, or contractor for certain agencies, including public school contractors, and access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment at public schools.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws within the Health and Safety Code and the Education Code, reinforcing the necessity for thorough investigations into allegations against individuals working with students. This adjustment aims to safeguard students by establishing stricter oversight of those who may have direct contact with them, thereby enhancing school safety protocols. Furthermore, the bill prohibits school districts and contractors from allowing individuals with certain felony or misdemeanor convictions to work in educational settings, thereby clarifying the standards for hiring practices and ensuring that individuals with a history of misconduct are kept from student interactions.

Summary

Senate Bill 2244 focuses on the eligibility requirements for individuals serving as employees, volunteers, or contractors for public agencies, particularly in relation to public schools. The legislation mandates that all allegations of reportable conduct against these individuals must be investigated, regardless of whether they resign or surrender a license. If an individual is found to have engaged in reportable conduct, they must be listed in a designated search engine established in the Health and Safety Code, effectively ensuring transparency and accountability in personnel matters related to education services.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB2244, particularly regarding its implications for employment practices. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to enhance school safety and protect students from potential harm by ensuring that any allegations of misconduct are properly investigated. On the other hand, critics may express concerns about the potential for overreach, fearing that the bill could hinder the hiring process of competent professionals due to strict eligibility requirements, thereby affecting the availability of staffing resources in schools.

Companion Bills

TX HB5344

Identical Relating to the eligibility of certain persons to provide services as an employee, volunteer, or contractor for certain agencies, including public school contractors, and access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment at public schools.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5344

Relating to the eligibility of certain persons to provide services as an employee, volunteer, or contractor for certain agencies, including public school contractors, and access to the registry of persons who are not eligible for employment at public schools.

TX HB3991

Relating to misconduct by public school employees and to persons who must be listed in the registry of persons not eligible for employment in public schools.

TX HB3347

Relating to person not eligible for employment in public schools and to measures to ensure publics schools do not employ those persons.

TX SB1428

Relating to persons not eligible for employment in public schools and to measures to ensure public schools do not employ those persons.

TX HB4831

Relating to prohibiting private schools from hiring persons in the registry of persons not eligible for employment in schools and to persons who must be listed in that registry.

TX HB3190

Relating to school personnel and public school operations, including the eligibility of certain employees for unemployment compensation benefits.

TX HB738

Requiring certain non-public schools or education service providers that accept public funds to perform background checks on all employees and volunteers.

TX AB2148

Elementary and secondary education: public school employees: contractors: natural persons.

TX HF2388

A bill for an act relating to public records, including employment separation information for certain government employees, contractors, or appointees.(See HF 2638.)

TX HB1308

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.