Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB14

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the fiscal transparency and accountability of certain entities responsible for public money.

Impact

If passed, HB 14 will create comprehensive requirements for financial reporting that will affect local government operations, particularly for school districts and special districts. This bill requires entities to post their annual financial reports online continuously, thus ensuring that taxpayers can easily access information pertinent to their investments in local education and infrastructure. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that such financial disclosures should not only cover operational funds but also include information on outstanding debts and the overall fiscal health of the entities involved.

Summary

House Bill 14 focuses on enhancing fiscal transparency and accountability among entities managing public funds. The bill mandates that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools report specific data to provide insight into their facilities' usage and the value delivered to taxpayers. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that constituents are well-informed about the financial health and operational efficiency of their local educational institutions. By improving the accessibility of financial data, the legislation promotes greater scrutiny and responsible management of public resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention during discussions surrounding HB 14 include concerns about the administrative burden this bill may impose on smaller districts and charter schools, especially considering the technological challenges they might face in maintaining updated and compliant web resources. Critics of the bill argue that while transparency is crucial, it should not come at the expense of local autonomy or operational efficiency. Additionally, there may be debates concerning the appropriateness of data being publicized and the risk of misinterpretation by the general public, which could lead to undue scrutiny of school districts' financial decisions.

Latest TX HB14 Activity

View All Events: TX 2013 - 83rd Regular HB14

Companion Bills

TX SB14

Identical Relating to the fiscal transparency and accountability of certain entities responsible for public money.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.