Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB253

Caption

Relating to public school finance, including the establishment of a tax credit scholarship and educational expense assistance program.

Impact

One of the central aspects of HB253 is the amendment to the Education Code that allows charter schools to receive state and local funding per student based on certain tax rates. The bill guarantees a level of financial support that responds to fluctuating school district revenues, which is expected to enhance the funding stability of open-enrollment charter schools. Furthermore, districts experiencing financial hardships may benefit from grants aimed at bridging funding gaps created by earlier legislative changes. However, eligibility criteria exist that could exclude wealthier districts from receiving hardship grants, ensuring that funds are targeted where they are most needed.

Summary

House Bill 253 focuses on public school finance by establishing a tax credit scholarship program and an educational expense assistance program. The bill articulates how funds will be allocated to charter schools and introduces a process for providing financial hardship grants to school districts affected by legislative changes in school funding after the 2016-2017 school year. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial challenges faced by certain districts while promoting educational opportunities through scholarships, particularly for students with disabilities.

Contention

The bill has been met with mixed reactions regarding its implications for equity in school funding and the possible overreliance on tax credit scholarships. Critics argue that by incentivizing tax credits for contributions to educational assistance organizations, the bill may divert necessary funds away from public schools to private education alternatives, which could exacerbate inequities in access to quality education. Supporters, however, tout the potential for increased educational choice, particularly for families through tax credit scholarships, allowing them to access resources that may not be available in their public school districts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB2539

Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB40

Relating to the public school finance system.

TX SB37

Relating to the public school finance system.

Similar Bills

TX SB2

Relating to the establishment of an education enhancement program for students with certain disabilities.

TX SB1698

Relating to a franchise or insurance premium tax credit for contributions made to certain educational assistance organizations.

TX SB3

Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program and a tax credit scholarship and educational expense assistance program.

TX SB4

Relating to a franchise or insurance premium tax credit for contributions made to certain educational assistance organizations; adding provisions subject to a criminal penalty.

TX HB1043

Relating to a franchise or insurance premium tax credit for contributions made to certain educational assistance organizations.

TX SB642

Relating to a franchise or insurance premium tax credit for contributions made to certain educational assistance organizations.

TX HB58

Relating to the establishment of a tax credit scholarship and educational expense assistance program.

TX SB1906

Relating to an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made to certain educational assistance organizations.