TX SB1743

Creates an independent Office of Inspector General for Education within the Texas Education Agency, led by a director appointed by the State Board of Education with a two-thirds vote and Senate confirmation, serving four-year terms with authority to investigate fraud, waste, abuse of agency funds, and employee misconduct involving students

Requires school superintendents and directors to notify the Office of Inspector General within 24 hours of learning about allegations that an employee abused, committed unlawful acts with, or engaged in inappropriate romantic/sexual contact with a student or minor

Shortens reporting deadlines from seven business days to two business days for principals to notify superintendents and for superintendents to file reports with the State Board for Educator Certification or commissioner regarding employee misconduct

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

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