Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4200

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

Caption

Relating to state assistance to fund public school instructional facilities in fast-growing school districts.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4200 is expected to have a substantial impact on public education funding across Texas, particularly in districts that are currently facing challenges due to rapid enrollment growth. By establishing a new funding formula that guarantees a higher allocation of state and local funds per student in fast-growing districts, the bill seeks to alleviate financial pressures that may hinder the quality of education. This enhanced support system may result in the construction of much-needed facilities, thereby improving the educational infrastructure and overall learning environment for students.

Summary

House Bill 4200 focuses on providing state assistance for funding public school instructional facilities specifically in rapidly growing school districts. The bill aims to amend the Education Code by increasing the guaranteed funding per student per cent of tax effort allocated to these districts. It introduces new provisions to ensure that school districts experiencing significant enrollment increases—defined as a growth of 10 percent or more over the preceding five years—are supported in financing their eligible bonds used for constructing and improving educational facilities.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding HB 4200 also reveal points of contention. Critics may argue that while the bill attempts to address urgent needs in fast-growing districts, it could potentially divert funds from less rapidly growing districts that might require similar support. The balance between ensuring equitable funding for all school districts while responding to rapid growth in certain areas presents a complex challenge. Additionally, the bill's provisions for bond issuances and eligibility criteria will need careful consideration to ensure compliance and equitable distribution of funds among districts.

Companion Bills

TX SB2374

Identical Relating to state assistance to fund public school instructional facilities in fast-growing school districts.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2607

Relating to the use of tax collections in determining certain state and local responsibilities for school funding.

TX HB4344

Relating to the state assistance with the payment of debt under the public school finance system.

TX HB5170

Relating to public school finance and public education.

TX HB100

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.

TX SB2

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.

TX HB135

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

TX SB57

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

TX SB14

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

TX HB31

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

TX HB2841

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

Similar Bills

TX SB712

Relating to the financing of school district facilities and property tax relief for school district debt; providing for reduced property tax rates.

TX HB4344

Relating to the state assistance with the payment of debt under the public school finance system.

TX SB570

Relating to the financing of school district facilities and tax relief for facilities debt.

TX SB1255

Relating to a state intercept credit enhancement program for certain bonds issued by school districts.

TX SB90

Relating to the financing of school district facilities and tax relief for facilities debt.

TX SB2374

Relating to state assistance to fund public school instructional facilities in fast-growing school districts.

TX SB597

Relating to the guarantee of open-enrollment charter school bonds by the permanent school fund.

TX HB1437

Relating to the guarantee of open-enrollment charter school bonds by the permanent school fund.