HB 3617 establishes the Office of Inspector General for Education as an independent division within the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The office is tasked with investigating allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct involving TEA employees and certain educational entities. The inspector general, appointed by the State Board of Education with Senate confirmation, will have subpoena power and the authority to issue penalties. The bill also mandates reporting requirements for employee misconduct and expands administrative penalties for school officials who fail to report such cases. Additionally, it includes provisions for cooperation with law enforcement and the Texas Attorney General in cases requiring further legal action​.