TX HB4185

Changes the Texas Commissioner of Education from a governor-appointed position to a statewide elected office, with candidates appearing on the general election ballot alongside other state officials like governor and attorney general

Disqualifies any person from eligibility for the office if the Texas Ethics Commission determines they have committed a campaign finance law violation

Authorizes the governor to fill vacancies in the commissioner position by appointment only until the next general election for state and county officers

Adds the commissioner of education to the list of officials subject to removal by legislative address, including for "misuse of public resources" as an additional removal cause specific to this position

Sets the first election for commissioner of education for November 3, 2026, with the act taking effect September 1, 2026, allowing the current appointed commissioner to continue serving until the elected commissioner takes office