About This TAA
- Date:
- August 13, 2026
- Subject:
- Updated Guidance for Pre-Employment and Pre-Service Affidavit Requirements
- Division(s):
- 302- Compliance & Investigations
- Next Steps:
- Ensure guidance is communicated to HR personnel
To the Administrator Addressed (TAA) Correspondence
Updated Guidance for Pre-Employment and Pre-Service Affidavit Requirements
Overview
To help protect students and ensure that people working in school settings meet legal safety and eligibility standards, Texas Education Code (TEC) §22A.055 requires certain individuals seeking employment with, or providing services to, an educational entity to submit a pre-employment or pre-service affidavit disclosing specified background information. Following implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 571, school systems requested clarification regarding which individuals are required to complete the affidavit.
For purposes of administering TEC §22A.055, TEA will require completion of the affidavit by:
- Individuals applying for employment; and
- Service providers whose duties involve direct contact or interaction with students.
The affidavit is not required for service providers whose duties do not involve direct contact or interaction with students.
For purposes of TEC §22A.055, an educational entity includes a school district, district of innovation, open-enrollment charter school, other charter entity, regional education service center, or shared services arrangement.
TEA will administer and enforce the requirements of TEC §22A.055 consistent with this guidance. School systems should consult with their legal counsel regarding compliance with TEC §22A.055 and any related legal obligations.