Texas House Bill HB821

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the information required to be included in or with a school district ad valorem tax bill.

Impact

By mandating that specific percentage breakdowns be included in tax bills, HB 821 intends to enhance the communication between school districts and taxpayers. This could potentially lead to increased public understanding of school funding dynamics. Moreover, the act seeks to standardize the information provided across different districts, promoting uniformity in how school finances are communicated. For districts that do not meet the wealth threshold, similar percentage disclosures are required, thereby encompassing a broader range of school funding sources and responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 821 modifies the requirements for school district ad valorem tax bills in Texas. The bill stipulates that certain school districts must provide detailed information regarding their tax responsibilities related to average daily attendance credits. Specifically, for districts with a wealth per student that exceeds a specified limit and that have agreed to purchase attendance credits, the tax bills must clearly state the percent of taxes related to maintenance and operations that are subject to these agreements as well as those not required under the agreement. This addition aims to improve transparency for taxpayers regarding how their contributions are allocated within the school district's budget.

Contention

Notably, there may be some contention around the implications of this increased transparency. Advocates for the bill argue that it empowers parents and community members by making financial obligations clearer, enabling informed discussions about school funding. However, opponents may highlight concerns regarding the administrative burden imposed on school districts that must conform to these new disclosure requirements. Additionally, debates may arise concerning how accurately the provided information reflects the complexities of school financing and whether the increased transparency truly benefits constituents.