BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 386

                                                                                                                                   By: Wentworth

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law does not permit school employees to communicate directly with a school board member about a matter relating to the operation of the school district.  S.B. 386 revises Section 11.163, Education Code, to allow a school employee to communicate directly with a school board member about a matter relating to the operation of the school district under certain restrictions. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

ANALYSIS

SB 386 amends Section 11.163, Education Code, by adding Subsections (d), in that an employment policy may not restrict the ability of a school district employee to communicate directly with a member of the board of trustees of the school district regarding a matter relating to the operation of the district, except that the policy may prohibit certain ex parte communications and communications during certain times.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005.