79R3373 KKA-D

By:  Miller                                                       H.B. No. 561



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


relating to professional liability insurance for public school 
classroom teachers.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 22, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 22.056 to read as follows:
	Sec. 22.056.  PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR 
CLASSROOM TEACHERS.  (a)  Using funds appropriated for the purpose 
or otherwise available to the commissioner for the purpose, the 
commissioner shall make available to each classroom teacher, at no 
cost to the teacher, professional liability insurance to provide 
protection from claims for damages arising out of any act or 
omission that is incident to or within the scope of the duties of 
the teacher's position of employment.
	(b)  The commissioner shall obtain the insurance required to 
be made available by this section:
		(1)  in an amount determined appropriate by the 
commissioner; and    
		(2)  from one or more insurers authorized to engage in 
the business of insurance in this state.
	(c)  The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement 
this section.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.