H.B. No. 4206 establishes the Office of Inspector General for Education within the Texas Education Agency, tasked with investigating public education administration and employee misconduct. The bill introduces a new subchapter in the Education Code that defines the inspector general's responsibilities and powers, including the authority to issue subpoenas and access relevant records. The inspector general will be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the board and will operate independently, ensuring accountability in addressing allegations of fraud, waste, and misconduct. The bill also requires the inspector general to refer substantiated findings to appropriate authorities and to submit an annual report on actions taken.

Additionally, the bill amends the Education Code to enhance reporting and accountability measures regarding educator misconduct. It mandates that superintendents notify the inspector general within 24 hours of learning about allegations and specifies that reports must include the campus and school district names. The bill increases penalties for failing to report misconduct and clarifies definitions related to abuse. It also prohibits retaliation against individuals reporting misconduct and ensures timely communication with parents regarding allegations involving their children. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the framework for addressing educator misconduct and enhance the safety and integrity of the educational system in Texas.

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