BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 122

By: Rodríguez

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In the Texas public education system, communities elect school board members who exercise a great deal of authority that includes establishing and structuring education programs, ensuring schools are held accountable to the community, and advocating for continuous advancements in student learning. However, interested parties contend that school board members have sometimes made decisions that were not in the best interest of the students.  Further, the parties assert that the magnitude of the authority and influence that a school board member exercises in a community creates a strong need for accountability. The parties note that, while a district judge currently has the ability to remove a school board member from office, such authority is not explicitly provided in statute. S.B. 122 seeks to address this issue.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

S.B. 122 amends the Local Government Code to authorize a district judge to remove from office a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district under statutory provisions governing the removal of county officers from office by petition and trial.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.