Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB933, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($897,422) through the biennium ending August 31, 2021. 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) would be required to implement he legislation only if the Legislature specifically makes an appropriation for that purpose. Otherwise, the agency could, but would not be required, to implement the bill.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation offunds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

SB 933 would establish an Office of Inspector General in the Texas Education Agency. The office would be responsible for investigating, preventing, and detecting criminal misconduct in the administration of a school district, open-enrollment charter school, regional education service center, and other local education agencies. In addition, the office would have the power to subpoena records. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action recommends supporting SB 933 because it promotes our principle of limited government. An Office of Inspector General in the TEA could deter public school administrators from committing fraud, waste, and abuse. This bill would also protect the commissioner of education against legal challenges when conducting investigations.