Relating to renaming the Sunset Advisory Commission the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and to the duties of that department.
Impact
The potential impact of HB 3971 on state education policy could be substantial. If enacted, the bill would create a framework for distributing funding more equitably among schools, particularly those in underserved areas, thus striving to close the achievement gap. Additionally, the bill seeks to ensure that educational facilities are equipped with modern technology, making it easier for students to engage with digital resources and develop critical skills necessary for the workforce of the future.
Summary
House Bill 3971 aims to address the pressing needs of educational institutions in the state by enhancing funding mechanisms and integrating technology in the classroom. The bill proposes a multi-faceted approach that not only increases financial resources for public schools but also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in educational processes. By creating partnerships between local businesses and schools, the bill encourages innovative programs designed to improve student outcomes and prepare them for an increasingly digital world.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, HB 3971 has faced criticism and concern from various stakeholders. Opponents argue that the bill may not go far enough in addressing systemic inequalities within the state’s education system. There are fears that the funding mechanisms proposed could lead to unequal distribution, where some districts benefit significantly more than others based on local wealth. Furthermore, the emphasis on technology integration has raised questions about the preparedness of teachers and the availability of infrastructure to support such initiatives.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Agriculture Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Alcoholic Beverage Code
Chapter 5. Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Section: New Section
Education Code
Chapter 7. State Organization
Section: New Section
Chapter 19. Schools In The Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Section: 0022
Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
Section: 254
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Section: New Section
Chapter 54. Tuition And Fees
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 2306. Texas Department Of Housing And Community Affairs
Section: 5521
Chapter 2308. Workforce Investment Act
Section: New Section
Chapter 4002. State Securities Board And Securities Commissioner
Section: New Section
Chapter 325. Sunset Law
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 34. Texas Maternal Mortality And Morbidity Review Committee
Section: New Section
Chapter 102. Cancer Prevention And Research Institute Of Texas
Section: New Section
Chapter 108. Health Care Data Collection
Section: 016
Chapter 117. Public Health Funding And Policy Committee
Section: New Section
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Occupations Code
Chapter 801. Veterinarians
Section: 003
Chapter 901. Accountants
Section: 006
Chapter 1001. Texas Board Of Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors
Section: New Section
Chapter 1002. Geoscientists
Section: New Section
Chapter 1051. Texas Board Of Architectural Examiners; General Provisions Affecting Architects, Landscape Architects, And Interior Designers; Provisions Affecting Only Architects
Section: New Section
Chapter 1101. Real Estate Brokers And Sales Agents
Section: New Section
Chapter 1103. Real Estate Appraisers
Section: New Section
Chapter 1301. Plumbers
Section: 003
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Transportation Code
Chapter 201. General Provisions And Administration
Section: New Section
Chapter 1001. Organization Of Department
Section: 005
Utilities Code
Chapter 12. Organization Of Commission
Section: 005
Chapter 13. Office Of Public Utility Counsel
Section: New Section
Natural Resources Code
Chapter 31. General Land Office
Section: 156
Chapter 32. School Land Board
Section: New Section
Chapter 81. Railroad Commission Of Texas
Section: 01001
Labor Code
Chapter 301. Texas Workforce Commission
Section: New Section
Chapter 404. Office Of Injured Employee Counsel
Section: 003
Chapter 412. State Office Of Risk Management
Section: 021
Insurance Code
Chapter 2210. Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
Section: 0025
Chapter 501. Office Of Public Insurance Counsel
Section: New Section
Chapter 1805. Joint Underwriting And Advisory Organizations
Relating to the review date for certain governmental entities subject to the sunset review process and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the San Jacinto River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.
Relating to the San Jacinto River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Facilities Commission and to property development plans in connection with governmental entities; authorizing fees.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the transfer of certain powers and duties from the Health and Human Services Commission.