Sec. 222.054.  CERTIFICATION OR PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION INELIGIBILITY.  (a)  In this section, "certification" includes a provisional certification.
(b)  The department may designate as permanently ineligible for certification under this chapter an individual who has been terminated from employment with the department for engaging in conduct that demonstrates the individual is not suitable for certification under this chapter.
(c)  The executive director may convene, in person or telephonically, a panel of three board members to determine if a former department employee's continued eligibility to obtain a certification under this chapter threatens juveniles in the juvenile justice system.  If the panel determines an individual's eligibility for certification threatens juveniles in the juvenile justice system, the department shall temporarily designate the individual as ineligible for certification until an administrative hearing is held under Subsection (d).  The hearing must be  held as soon as possible following the temporary designation.  The executive director may convene a panel under this subsection only if the danger posed by the person's continued eligibility for certification is imminent.  The panel may hold a telephonic meeting only if immediate action is required and convening the panel at one location is inconvenient for any member of the panel.
(d)  A person is entitled to a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings if the department proposes to designate a person as permanently ineligible for certification.
(e)  A person may appeal a ruling or order issued under this section to a district court in the county in which the person resides or in Travis County.  The standard of review is under the substantial evidence rule.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 954 (S.B. 1849), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2023.