The bill, H.B. No. 5344, aims to enhance the eligibility criteria for individuals providing services as employees, volunteers, or contractors for certain agencies, particularly in public schools. It introduces a new section, 810.0055, to the Health and Safety Code, mandating that participating state agencies conduct investigations and issue determinations for all allegations of reportable conduct against their employees, volunteers, or contractors, regardless of whether they resign or surrender their licenses. Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from dismissing appeals or entering settlement agreements that would prevent the issuance of a determination regarding such allegations.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing provisions in the Education Code to clarify that individuals with felony or misdemeanor convictions that disqualify them from employment under Section 22.085(a) cannot provide services in schools. It also expands access to the registry of individuals not eligible for employment to include entities and subcontractors that contract with school districts or charter schools. The bill repeals certain sections of the Education Code and specifies that the amended provisions apply only to contracts entered into after the bill's effective date. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 22.0834, Education Code 22.092 (Education Code 22)