Procedures Concerning Commissioner Rules

The following information details how the TEA distributes commissioner of education rules to the public and how the public can submit public comments and requests for public hearings on commissioner rule actions.

Distribution of Commissioner Rules 

The TEA posts proposed commissioner rules on the Commissioner of Education Rules - Texas Administrative Code (TAC) website prior to publication in the Texas Register. The site contains an item describing the proposed rule action, the statutory authority for the rule action, and the proposed rule text.

Rules that the commissioner has adopted but that are not yet effective are also posted on the Commissioner of Education Rules - Texas Administrative Code website. Commissioner rules that are currently effective are available at the Texas Administrative Code webpage as part of the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part II.

The TEA Rulemaking Unit sends email notifications of proposed and adopted commissioner rules to members of the "Rules" mailing list, which include school districts, professional associations, legislative staff, education service centers, and members of the public. The email includes a link to the Commissioner of Education Rules - Texas Administrative Code website.

Public Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing

Direct public comments on commissioner rules to the TEA Rulemaking Unit, Texas Education Agency, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 475-1497. You may also submit comments electronically to rules@tea.texas.gov. Comments are forwarded to appropriate agency staff. Begin and end dates for the 30-day public comment period for each proposed commissioner rule action are stated in the item for the rule action.

Direct requests for a public hearing on commissioner rules to the Commissioner of Education, Texas Education Agency, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701. The commissioner must receive all requests for a public hearing on a proposed rule action submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act not more than 14 calendar days after publication of the notice of the proposal in the Texas Register. The commissioner or the commissioner's representative will hold a public hearing on a commissioner rule at a time and place to be announced on the Secretary of State website. The TEA Rulemaking Unit sends an email to the "Rules" mailing list announcing public hearings on commissioner rules.