Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB2218

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the office of independent ombudsman for the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2218 is poised to impact state laws governing school finance and accountability. The reallocation of funding is expected to provide additional resources to underfunded districts, increasing the ability of schools to meet their educational objectives. However, some critics express concern that this shift may lead to decreased accountability for schools that receive more funding, arguing that higher spending does not always correlate with improved student performance. The discussions surrounding HB 2218 underscore a broader debate about how best to measure academic success and the role of state funding in supporting this.

Summary

House Bill 2218 seeks to reform the existing framework for education funding and student assessment processes in the state. The bill proposes significant changes to how funds are allocated to schools and districts, emphasizing the need for equitable funding models that support underprivileged areas. By addressing disparities in resource distribution, HB2218 aims to ensure that all students have access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of their geographic or socioeconomic status. Proponents argue that the bill will promote fairness and better educational outcomes for disadvantaged students.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 2218 is generally supportive among education advocates and organizations focused on equity in education. They see the bill as a critical step toward addressing long-standing inequalities in education funding. However, the approach taken by the bill has drawn criticism from certain political factions that argue it overlooks systemic issues in public school governance and accountability standards. As such, the discourse surrounding the bill reflects varying priorities in educational policy, ranging from equitable access to maintain expectations of academic achievement.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the specific measures included in HB 2218, particularly around the notions of parental rights and the local governance of school policies. Some stakeholders fear that the bill may inadvertently limit the autonomy of local school boards by instituting more stringent state-level regulations. Additionally, debates have emerged over the effectiveness of proposed assessment strategies and how they may impact students’ educational experiences. These discussions highlight the complexity of educational reform and the necessity for ongoing dialogue amongst educators, legislators, and community members to achieve a consensus on the best paths forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1386

Relating to the creation of the office of independent oversight ombudsman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX SB2114

Relating to the establishment of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Education Agency.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB3462

Relating to the consolidation of ombudsman programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission.

TX SB1727

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.

TX HB89

Relating to the establishment of an ombudsman for parents of children enrolled in public school.

TX HB1924

Relating to the establishment of an ombudsman for parents of children enrolled in public school.

TX SB181

Relating to the authority of the Health and Human Services Commission's office of the ombudsman to resolve complaints against the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB2525

Relating to creating the Family and Protective Services Board.

TX HB3427

Relating to the ombudsman office for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Similar Bills

TX HB2615

Relating to the office of independent ombudsman for the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB951

Relating to the office of independent ombudsman for the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB213

Relating to the office of ombudsman for the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB3678

Relating to the office of independent ombudsman for the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB2114

Relating to the establishment of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Education Agency.

TX SB1408

Relating to the authority of the office of independent ombudsman for state supported living centers to oversee community-based services provided to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability.

TX HB3303

Relating to the creation of the Office of the Independent Oversight Ombudsman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX SB2236

Relating to the independent ombudsman for county jails.