Texas House Bill HB664

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the amount of school property tax revenue that is subject to recapture under the public school finance system.

Impact

The enactment of HB 664 is expected to have a positive impact on the financial management of several school districts across Texas. By limiting the financial burden of recapture rates, districts may have more resources available to allocate towards educational programs and services. This provision is particularly significant for districts with lower wealth levels, who often bear a higher cost in maintaining equitable school funding through property taxes. The overall goal of the bill is to enhance fiscal stability for these districts, promoting more equitable education funding statewide.

Summary

House Bill 664 aims to impose a limitation on the amount of school property tax revenue that is subject to recapture under the Texas public school finance system. The bill specifically stipulates that any school district entering into an agreement to purchase attendance credits to reduce its wealth per student to an equalized level cannot be required to pay over 60% of its maintenance and operations tax revenue for that tax year. This legislative change is intended to provide financial relief to school districts struggling with property tax liabilities associated with the recapture system.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HB 664 may face contention from various stakeholders, including those who believe that limiting recapture revenues could undermine the foundational principles of equitable school funding. Critics might argue that such a limitation could lead to inequitable advantages for wealthier districts, ultimately affecting the distribution of educational resources. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the long-term implications of capping recapture, which could influence the broader dynamics of school funding and fiscal responsibility across the state.