TEA outlines new misconduct powers under SB 571: wider ‘do‑not‑hire’ flags, temporary suspensions and faster reporting

Austin — TEA staff told the State Board for Educator Certification at its July work session that legislation passed this year will significantly increase the agency’s authority and workload on educator misconduct, expanding the state’s do‑not‑hire registry, shortening reporting deadlines and creating a new, expedited temporary‑suspension process for some alleged offenses.

The change stems chiefly from Senate Bill 571, which staff said will require rulemaking by the SBEC and the agency to implement expanded reporting, oversight of district investigations, public transparency and a new authority to temporarily suspend certificates — all intended to keep educators under investigation out of classrooms while cases proceed.

SBEC members were told the impact could be large. “We anticipate it could be as high as 800 temporary suspension matters or complaints a year,” said a TEA staff presenter during the meeting.

Why it matters

The new authority alters how misconduct complaints move through state and district systems. Previously, mandatory reporting to TEA typically occurred only after an employee’s separation; SB 571 removes that condition. That change, plus expanded mandatory report categories and a faster timeline, means TEA will receive more and earlier notice of allegations involving employee conduct.

What the law changes (major items)

- Expanded do‑not‑hire (DNH) coverage: SB 571 broadens the grounds for listing someone on the DNH registry to include more criminal convictions (including Title 5 felonies and…