Texas House Bill HB253

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

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.