TX HB4206

Creates an independent Office of Inspector General for Education within the Texas Education Agency, with the inspector general appointed by a two-thirds vote of the State Board of Education for a four-year term, requiring certification and expertise in areas such as law, fraud investigation, or auditing

Grants the inspector general broad investigative powers including subpoena authority, ability to administer oaths, take depositions, and access records, with exclusive responsibility to investigate allegations of employee misconduct involving abuse, unlawful acts, or sexual misconduct with students or minors

Requires school superintendents and directors to notify the inspector general within 24 hours of learning about alleged employee misconduct involving abuse or sexual contact with students, and shortens the reporting timeline to principals from 7 business days to 2 business days

Increases minimum administrative penalties for educators who fail to report misconduct from $500 to $1,000 (up to $10,000), and authorizes additional sanctions including mandatory training, written reprimands, certification suspension of 30 days to 6 months, and termination recommendations

Creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for knowingly interfering with an investigation or making false material statements, and prohibits retaliation against employees, parents, or students who report misconduct or participate in investigations