Amend HB 603 by adding the following appropriately numbered section and renumbering the subsequent sections of the bill accordingly: SECTION __. Section 11.163, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: (d) The employment policy may not restrict the ability of a school district employee to communicate directly with a member of the board of trustees regarding a matter relating to the operation of the district, except that the policy may prohibit: (1) communication during: (A) the employee's regular working hours at the district; or (B) the operating hours of a district campus; and (2) ex parte communication relating to: (A) a hearing under Subchapter E or F, Chapter 21; and (B) another appeal or hearing in which ex parte communication would be inappropriate pending a final decision by a school district board of trustees.