Legislation Filed Mandating Schools Inform Parents of Employee Misconduct

If passed, it would go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

December 11, 2024 – Emily Medeiros – A new measure has been filed in the Texas House that would require public schools to inform students’ parents and guardians when a district employee has been charged with certain criminal offenses.

Incoming State Rep. Hillary Hickland (R-Belton) filed House Bill 1551, which requires that public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools notify parents or guardians of enrolled students when an employee at their children’s specific school is charged with certain criminal offenses. These offenses include those that would require the individual to register as a sex offender; the sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor; as well as murder and child endangerment charges.

According to the measure, the district must include in the notice the employee’s name and position, whether the employee continues to be employed by the school or district, the length of the employee’s employment, the offense they are being charged with, and a statement that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The notice may not reveal the victim’s identity but allows the school to release relevant facts regarding the case.

Hickland told Texas Scorecard that “Parents have a right to know what is happening in their children’s schools especially when it comes to safety and transparency.”

Texas Family Project President Brady Gray told Texas Scorecard that Hickland’s proposal is common sense and should be a regular practice in schools.

“The measure by Representative Hickland would bring transparency to public schools and empower parents to make the best decisions for their children,” said Gray. “This is a common sense measure that should be the practice of every public school and should not require legislative action. However, in the absence of virtuous leadership, Texas Family Project applauds any and all efforts to defend Texas kids.”

This article originally appeared here.