The bill amends Section 11.060 of the Education Code regarding the process for filling vacancies on the board of trustees of independent school districts. It stipulates that if a vacancy occurs, the remaining trustees are prohibited from filling the vacancy by appointment until the next general election. Instead, the board must fill the vacancy at the district's next general election or through a special election, which can be conducted in the same manner as the district's general election. Additionally, the bill establishes a deadline for filling the vacancy, requiring it to be done no later than the last day of the 18th month after the vacancy occurs.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions allowing property owners subject to ad valorem taxation by the school district to bring legal action against the board for violations of this section. If successful, they may recover damages, attorney's fees, and court costs without needing to complete an administrative grievance process first. The bill also waives governmental immunity from suit to the extent of liability created by these new provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 11.060 (Education Code 11)