H.B. No. 4206 aims to establish the Office of Inspector General for Education within the Texas Education Agency, which will function independently to investigate public education administration and address employee misconduct in educational entities. The bill specifies the qualifications for the inspector general, who must be certified and experienced in law, fraud investigation, and auditing, and will be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the board for a four-year term. The inspector general will have the authority to issue subpoenas, conduct investigations, and refer findings for administrative action, while also requiring a memorandum of understanding with the board and attorney general to manage allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse of funds. An annual report detailing actions taken will ensure transparency and accountability.

The bill also amends various sections of the Education Code to enhance reporting and accountability regarding educator misconduct. It mandates that school district superintendents and directors notify the inspector general within 24 hours of learning about misconduct allegations and prohibits them from conducting their own investigations. Stricter penalties for failing to report misconduct are introduced, including administrative fines and potential suspension of certification. Additionally, the bill requires timely notification to parents or guardians about alleged misconduct and establishes protections against retaliation for those who report or participate in investigations. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and emphasizes the centralization of oversight within the Office of Inspector General.

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