Texas House Bill HJR119

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the support and maintenance and an efficient system of public schools.

Impact

If enacted, HJR119 will significantly influence state laws regarding educational funding and local governance within school districts. By mandating that the legislature establishes regulations for the equitable distribution of school funding, the amendment seeks to reduce discrepancies that exist in educational resource allocation. It also allows school districts to impose their own local taxes for additional revenue, requiring voter approval. This provision aims to encourage local engagement in funding decisions while maintaining state oversight.

Summary

HJR119 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at supporting and maintaining an efficient system of public schools in Texas. It amends Article VII of the Texas Constitution to ensure that school districts have equal access to revenues per student and delineates the responsibilities of the state legislature in providing for this support. The bill emphasizes the need for a uniform approach to public school funding that addresses disparities among districts while upholding a standard of efficiency in the distribution of educational resources.

Contention

Debate surrounding HJR119 may center on the balance of local control versus state oversight in education funding. Proponents argue that it promotes equal educational opportunities and empowers school districts through local tax authority, while opponents may contend that too much legislative control could undermine local efforts to address specific educational needs. Additionally, the provision that restricts courts from overturning legislative decisions on educational matters could raise concerns regarding judicial independence and accountability.