The bill establishes the Office of Inspector General for Education within the Texas Education Agency, which will operate independently to investigate public education administration and employee misconduct. The inspector general will be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the board, without regard to political affiliation, and must possess specific qualifications, including certification as an inspector general investigator. The office will have the authority to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, and refer findings of misconduct for administrative action. Additionally, the bill mandates the inspector general to investigate allegations of employee misconduct and outlines procedures for referrals to the State Board for Educator Certification or the commissioner, emphasizing the importance of integrity and confidentiality in its operations.

The legislation also amends various sections of the Education Code to enhance accountability measures for educator misconduct. It requires school district superintendents and directors to report educator misconduct to the State Board for Educator Certification and prohibits them from conducting their own investigations into certain allegations. The bill introduces penalties for principals and superintendents who fail to notify authorities about misconduct, mandates timely notification to parents or guardians about alleged misconduct, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who report misconduct. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to strengthen the framework for addressing educator misconduct and ensuring student safety in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 21.006, Education Code 22.093 (Education Code 22, Education Code 21)