BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 386

79R3195 BDH-D                                                                                                      By: Wentworth

                                                                                                                                            Education

2/18/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

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.  As proposed, 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.  Authorizes a school board member receiving such communication to keep the identity of the employee confidential and to inquire about any matters brought to the member's attention under this subsection at a school board meeting.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 11.163, Education Code, by adding Subsections (d) and (e), as follows:

            (d) Requires a public school employment policy to include certain provisions.

            (e) Authorizes a member of the board of trustees to inquire about the substance of a communication from a district employee at a board of trustees meeting.  Provides that the inquiry is subject to Section 551.042 (Inquiry Made at Meeting), Government Code, except that the trustees may also propose and decide that the substance of the inquiry be investigated and reported to the board to the board at a subsequent meeting. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.