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.