Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.

HB 3617 would create an independent Office of Inspector General for Education within the Texas Education Agency to investigate misconduct by employees at public schools and other educational entities. The bill establishes specific qualifications for the inspector general, including certification as an investigator and expertise in areas like law or fraud, and requires appointment without political bias. It also creates a new criminal offense for certain misconduct and increases administrative penalties for violations related to public education. This office would operate separately from the Texas Education Agency to ensure impartial investigations and reporting.