H.B. No. 3347 seeks to enhance the oversight and accountability of educators in Texas public schools by amending various sections of the Education Code. The bill redefines "educational entity" to encompass a broader range of school districts and charter schools, while also expanding definitions related to educator misconduct. It introduces new reporting requirements for superintendents regarding educators with criminal records or misconduct, mandates that investigations continue even if an educator resigns, and specifies conditions under which a certificate may be denied or revoked, particularly for serious offenses. Additionally, the bill establishes confidentiality provisions for complaints and investigations, ensuring that educational entities must discharge or refuse to hire individuals with certain criminal histories.

The legislation also strengthens the pre-employment affidavit process, requiring applicants to disclose any investigations or charges related to misconduct, and introduces penalties for non-disclosure. It outlines the responsibilities of superintendents and directors in reporting misconduct and mandates the maintenance of a registry for individuals under investigation. The bill emphasizes compliance monitoring by requiring the agency to review investigations and report data on educator misconduct quarterly. Overall, H.B. No. 3347 aims to create a safer educational environment by tightening regulations around hiring practices and improving the processes for reporting and investigating educator misconduct.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 21.006, Education Code 21.0062, Education Code 21.058, Education Code 21.062, Education Code 22.085, Education Code 22.091, Education Code 22.092, Education Code 22.093, Education Code 22.094, Education Code 22.095, Education Code 22.096, Education Code 39.003, Family Code 261.308 (Education Code 22, Education Code 21, Education Code 39, Family Code 261)