Texas House Bill HB3851

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to unfunded state educational mandates imposed on school districts.

Impact

The bill mandates that the state comptroller shall maintain a public list of unfunded educational mandates, which is to be updated following legislative sessions. School districts will be relieved from the obligation to comply with any mandate listed by the comptroller, effectively transferring some financial responsibilities back to the state and alleviating the fiscal burden on local jurisdictions. This shift is anticipated to promote a more equitable distribution of state educational resources and responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 3851 relates to the issue of unfunded state educational mandates imposed on school districts in Texas. This legislation aims to amend the Education Code to allow school districts to be exempt from compliance with mandates that are not funded by the state. By defining a state educational mandate as a statutory provision or agency rule that incurs costs for school districts, the bill establishes a framework whereby mandates that lack designated funding can be officially exempted from compliance requirements.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 3851 has largely centered on the implications of unfunded mandates on educational quality and access. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to empower school districts financially, enabling them to allocate limited resources more effectively. Critics, however, express concerns that exempting compliance with certain mandates may lead to a deterioration in educational standards, as it may remove essential requirements that ensure equity and quality across different school districts. Hence, the bill raises substantial debate about the balance between state control and local autonomy in education.