Office of the General Counsel
The Office of General Counsel Division provides information and resources about legal issues related to Titles 1 and 2 of the Texas Education Code (TEC), as well as other TEC provisions for primary or secondary education that affect Texas public education. Our office answers general questions and provides information about state law but cannot provide legal advice to any party.
Resource Guide
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Information on appeals to the Commissioner of Education and hearings before an Independent Hearing Examiner |
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Information on local grievance processes |
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Information on submitting an open records request for any TEA record subject to the Public Information Act |
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Information on where to direct a subpoena (subpoenas for records only) |
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Information on serving the Commissioner of Education with process (for lawsuits)
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Process may be served at the Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress Ave, 2nd Floor Receptionist, Austin, Texas 78701 Appointments for service are recommended. You may submit your appointment request to TEALegal@tea.texas.gov |
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Information on filing a special education mediation request |
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Information on filing a special education due process request |
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Information on ordering a Texas School Law Bulletin |
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Information on reporting violations of school law by school entities, educators, and educator preparation programs |
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Questions related to COVID |
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Information on submission of questions related to COVID issues |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
General Inquiry (under construction) |
Address Confidentiality Program, Office of the Attorney General
This page contains information about the enrollment of a student in a household participating in the Office of Attorney General (OAG) Address Confidentiality Program.
Authorization Agreement for Non-parent Relative under Chapter 34, Family Code
This page contains information about school enrollment rules when a child is in the care of a non-parent relative.
Additional Helpful Legal Resources
Texas Education Agency and the Office of Legal Services have no control over the content of these sites. If you find an error on any site, please contact that site’s webmaster.
Student Discipline Matters
The Commissioner of Education generally has no authority over local student discipline matters, except under Texas Education Code §§37.006-(i) and 37.006-(j). Student disciplinary appeals should be filed in the Texas district court in the county in which the school district's administrative offices are located.
Disclaimer
The Texas Education Code is maintained by Texas Legislature Online, which updates the Code when the publisher notifies it of changes. Please review the Texas Legislature online website for the current Code status.
Office of General Counsel
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Central Time)
Direct Office Line: (512) 463-9720
Email: tealegal@tea.texas.gov
Press 1 for General Education, Public Information, and Subpoena matters
Press 2 for Special Education Mediation
Press 3 for Special Education Due Process
Press 4 for Appeals before the Commissioner of Education (not complaints)
Press 5 for Charter Schools
Press 6 for Education Certification & Standards
Press 7 for Contract Abandonment
Press 0 for the Receptionist