Bill
SB 316
86(R) - 2019
Senate Education
Senate Education
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
Author(s)
Bryan Hughes
Co-Author(s)
Paul Bettencourt
Bob Hall
Bill Caption
Relating to the attorney general’s duty to defend public school
teachers.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 316 would require the Attorney General to defend teachers in public or open-enrollment charter schools in civil lawsuits if the attorney general determines the teacher was acting within the scope of employment and in good faith. This bill would not prevent a teacher from seeking their own legal counsel at their expense.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Texas Action recommends supporting SB 316 because it promotes our principle of individual liberty. SB 316 would provide legal support for teachers acting in good faith in their official capacity and help shield them from unwarranted liability within the scope of their employment.
Organizations Opposed
Disability Rights Texas
Easter Seals Central Texas