Texas House Bill HB642

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring the Texas Education Agency to prepare a report regarding public education mandates.

Impact

By mandating the TEA to compile and distribute this report, HB642 seeks to enhance transparency regarding the fiscal responsibilities of school districts. This could lead to a clearer understanding of existing educational requirements and assist lawmakers in evaluating the efficacy and necessity of such mandates. Consequently, the bill may encourage discussions on potential legislative revisions or rescissions of outdated or unnecessarily burdensome mandates.

Summary

House Bill 642 aims to require the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to prepare a comprehensive report regarding public education mandates. This report must identify various mandates imposed by federal or state law that necessitate school districts to alter their operations, thereby incurring additional expenses. The bill defines a 'public education mandate' and outlines the specific information that the TEA is required to compile concerning each mandate, including funding status and potential duplication with other mandates.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB642 may arise regarding the resources required to complete the report and whether the demands placed upon the TEA to gather information from school districts could disproportionately strain smaller or underfunded districts. Furthermore, stakeholders might debate the implications of identifying unfunded mandates and the necessity for state funding to support these educational requirements.