81R11706 KKA-D By: Vo H.B. No. 4497 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to maximization of the amount of federal funding obtained by school districts. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. FEDERAL FUNDING MAXIMIZATION STUDY. The comptroller of public accounts shall conduct a comprehensive study of federal funding sources, including federal funding provided through the Medicaid program and other health and human services programs, to determine the extent to which school districts in this state are failing to claim all available federal funds for services provided by school districts or services that could be provided by school districts if the federal funds were claimed. SECTION 2. SCHOOL DISTRICT TRAINING. Based on the results of the study conducted under Section 1 of this Act, the Texas Education Agency shall develop and implement an initiative under which the agency provides detailed training to school districts as necessary to improve the ability of districts to claim all available federal funds. The training must specifically address the procedures for filing prompt and accurate claims for available federal funds. SECTION 3. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. Not later than January 1, 2011, the comptroller and the Texas Education Agency shall submit a joint report to the legislature that addresses the results of the study conducted under Section 1 of this Act and describes the training provided under Section 2 of this Act. SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.