BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3153

By: Raymond

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that, while state law generally prohibits the practice of nepotism in public employment, exceptions exist to ensure flexibility where appropriate. H.B. 3153 seeks to ensure that public school districts that are experiencing critical teacher shortages are not hamstrung when hiring educators.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

H.B. 3153 amends the Government Code to exempt from the prohibition against a public official appointing, confirming the appointment of, or voting for the appointment or confirmation of the appointment of an individual to a position that is to be directly or indirectly compensated from public funds or fees of office due to factors related to potential nepotism an appointment or employment of a classroom teacher by a public school district in a subject area or geographic area certified by the commissioner of education as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.