TX HB4551

Prohibits independent school district boards of trustees from filling vacancies by appointment, requiring vacancies to be filled at the district's next general election or through a special election

Extends the deadline for filling board vacancies from 180 days to 18 months after the vacancy occurs, and removes the previous requirement that more than one year must remain in the vacated term

Grants property owners subject to ad valorem taxation by the school district the right to sue the board to enjoin violations of these vacancy-filling requirements

Allows prevailing plaintiffs in such lawsuits to recover damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and court costs without completing an administrative grievance process first

Waives governmental immunity from suit for school district boards regarding liability created under this section, with an effective date of September 1, 2025