BILL ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 44

By: Márquez

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that in the Texas public education system, school board members are elected by people in the local community and exercise a great deal of authority that includes establishing and structuring education programs, ensuring that schools are accountable to the community, and advocating continuous improvement in student learning. The parties assert that this magnitude of authority and influence in the community creates a strong need for accountability. However, the parties contend that some school board members have made decisions that were not in the best interest of the students and that there is no straightforward process for removing such a board member. H.J.R. 44 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing elections for the recall of independent school district trustees.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 44 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to authorize the legislature to enact a general, local, or special law authorizing the removal from office of a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the school district.

ELECTION DATE

The constitutional amendment proposed by this joint resolution will be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2013.