Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3837

Caption

Relating to the public school finance system.

Impact

The legislation is set to have significant implications for public school finance, particularly in establishing clearer funding paths that comply with federal standards for special education. It introduces a method by which the state will recover funds from school districts that have excessive taxation in violation of state law. Moreover, by repealing certain outdated provisions and amending key sections of the Education Code, the bill simplifies the administrative framework surrounding school finance, which could lead to more equitable funding distribution among districts, especially for those experiencing rapid growth in student enrollment.

Summary

House Bill 3837 aims to amend the public school finance system in Texas by making various adjustments to funding mechanisms, particularly targeting open-enrollment charter schools and small to mid-sized school districts. The bill modifies how charter schools receive allotments, ensuring that they are adequately funded in accordance with state requirements for special education. Key provisions include provisions for maintaining a minimum salary for teachers and addressing compensation for school counselors and librarians, reflecting a push towards improving overall educator pay and support within the school system.

Contention

In discussions surrounding HB 3837, there were concerns from various stakeholders about the potential adequacy and equitability of funding levels in small districts compared to larger ones. Opponents highlighted the risk of uneven application leading to some districts benefiting disproportionately. Additionally, the bill's revisions to the funding mechanisms for charter schools raised questions about the relationships between charter and traditional public schools. Stakeholders emphasized the need for funding that truly reflects the unique needs of different districts, which could lead to debates about funding allocations and what constitutes adequate support for education across Texas.

Companion Bills

TX SB1536

Same As Relating to the public school finance system.

TX HB1525

Same As Relating to the public school finance system and public education.

Previously Filed As

TX HB177

Relating to a bonus payment for certain public school employees and to the public school finance system.

TX HB90

Relating to a bonus payment for certain public school employees and to the public school finance system.

TX SB40

Relating to the public school finance system.

TX SB37

Relating to the public school finance system.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB57

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

TX SB14

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

TX HB31

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

Similar Bills

TX SB1536

Relating to the public school finance system.

TX HB1525

Relating to the public school finance system and public education.

TX HB21

Relating to the funding of primary and secondary education.

TX HB3

Relating to public school finance and public education; creating a criminal offense; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2804

Relating to evaluation of public school performance.

TX SB4

Relating to public school finance and public education.

TX HB100

TX HB1059

Relating to the effective date of certain actions taken by the commissioner of education against school districts that exceed the equalized wealth level and to reattachment of property detached from a school district by the commissioner of education to achieve the equalized wealth level.