Reps. Isaac And Dale Call Attention To Sexual Offenses In Public Schools

Austin — Reps. Jason Isaac (Dripping Springs) and Tony Dale (Cedar Park) have requested that Governor Abbott designate the practice of “passing the trash” an emergency item for the 85th Legislative Session, which convenes in January.

State law currently requires school district superintendents to report teachers who resign after allegations of sexual misconduct to the Texas Education Agency. However, there is no statutory consequence for failing to do so. When this happens, sexual predators are allowed to keep their teacher certification and are often hired in other schools or districts, exposing more students to sexual abuse.

“As a father of two boys in public schools, I am appalled that teachers who commit sexual transgressions against our children are so frequently allowed to continue teaching,” Rep. Isaac wrote in his letter to the governor. “‘Passing the trash’ to another district instead of taking it out of our education system is putting innocent students at risk every day.

“It’s clear that current state law simply does not go far enough to protect the children of Texas,” Rep. Isaac said. “I look forward to working with Governor Abbott and my colleagues in the legislature to end this practice permanently.”

“Those who prey on our innocent children should know that we will not tolerate it. Those who fail to report such incidents must face serious criminal penalties. The protection of children must be the highest obligation of the state. The era of passing the trash must end,” said Rep. Dale.

Reps. Isaac and Dale has also asked Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Texas Rangers to conduct an investigation to determine whether any laws have been violated and, if so, the consequences.

Representing Blanco and Hays counties, Rep. Isaac has served House District 45 in the Texas Legislature since 2011. He is a member of the Economic and Small Business Development, Environmental Regulation and Local and Consent Calendars committees and is chair of the Subcommittee on Small Business. He lives in Drippings Springs with his wife, Carrie, and two sons.

State Rep. Tony Dale is a member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and Public Safety, Energy Resources, and Local and Consent Calendars. He represents southwestern Williamson County, Cedar Park, Leander, Brushy Creek, and parts of Austin and Round Rock.