Relating to repeal of provisions requiring a school district to reduce its local revenue level in excess of entitlement.
Impact
If enacted, HB 4786 would enable school districts to retain more of their local revenue, which could lead to increased funding for educational programs and initiatives. Supporters argue that this change allows schools to have greater control over their funding and better respond to the specific needs of their students and communities. By removing the requirement for revenue reduction, districts might find themselves in a better position to invest in facilities, personnel, and educational resources.
Summary
House Bill 4786 is designed to repeal certain provisions within the Texas Education Code that require school districts to reduce their local revenue levels when they exceed specific entitlement thresholds. This bill proposes to amend various sections related to the funding mechanisms for school districts, specifically focusing on reducing the financial pressures schools face in managing their local funding sources. The implications of this bill primarily impact how funding is allocated to school districts, potentially offering more financial autonomy to those that had previously been constrained under existing regulations.
Contention
Opposition to HB 4786 may arise from concerns that unregulated local revenue growth could lead to disparities in funding quality between wealthier and less affluent school districts. Critics argue that such changes could exacerbate existing inequalities in the education system, as districts with larger tax bases would be able to accumulate more resources, leaving those in lower-income areas at a disadvantage. Furthermore, discussions surrounding the bill may center on the balance needed in funding education equitably across the state.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 12. Charters
Section: New Section
Section: 029
Chapter 29. Educational Programs
Section: 203
Section: 087
Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
Section: New Section
Section: 2543
Section: 2553
Section: 260
Section: 266
Section: 272
Section: 2721
Section: 283
Chapter 46. Assistance With Instructional Facilities And Payment Of Existing Debt
Section: New Section
Tax Code
Chapter 21. Taxable Situs
Section: 01
Chapter 312. Property Redevelopment And Tax Abatement Act
Section: 210
Finance Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Insurance Code
Chapter 1579. Texas School Employees Uniform Group Health Coverage
Relating to a reduction of the amount by which certain school districts must reduce their local revenue levels in excess of entitlement under the public school finance system.
Relating to a reduction of the amount by which certain districts with high enrollment of educationally disadvantaged students must reduce the districts' local revenue levels in excess of entitlement under the public school finance system.
Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Relating to providing school district property tax relief through rent-relief and through adjusting entitlements, compression, and exemptions under the public school finance system.
Relating to certain adjustments to the taxable value of property of certain school districts and the reduction of Foundation School Program funds received by certain school districts.
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.