Texas House Bill HB3653

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the amount of school property tax revenue that is subject to recapture under the public school finance system.

Impact

If passed, HB 3653 would significantly alter the way school funding operates in Texas, especially for districts facing high property values that are compelled to recapture a portion of their tax revenues for the benefit of less wealthy districts. Advocates of the bill argue that it reduces the financial strain on higher-wealth districts and promotes a more equitable funding structure. The limitation, set at a specific percentage, would provide clearer expectations for school boards, allowing for better financial planning and management of resources.

Summary

House Bill 3653, also known as the Robin Hood Relief Act, aims to limit the amount of school property tax revenue that is subject to recapture under Texas's public school finance system. Specifically, the bill establishes a provision that no school district can be required to pay more than 39.6% of its maintenance and operations tax revenue for attendance credits necessary to achieve equalized wealth per student. This legislative change seeks to alleviate the financial burdens on school districts that find themselves needing to purchase attendance credits due to the state's funding formulas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3653 appears largely favorable among those concerned about equitable school funding. Supporters argue that the bill provides necessary relief to wealthier districts and ensures that students across Texas have access to better resources without undermining local tax revenues significantly. However, opposition may arise from those who fear that such limitations could ultimately lead to reductions in available funds for redistributing to poorer districts, which in some cases may exacerbate existing inequalities in education quality.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the discussions on HB 3653 revolve around the implications of limiting recapture revenue. Critics may argue that any cap on recapture could hinder the state's ability to redistribute funds to support schools in lower economic areas, contradicting the intention of equitable education across the state. The balance between ensuring adequate funding for school districts and maintaining standards for wealth redistribution is a key factor in this legislative debate.