Texas Senate Bill SB2274

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/24/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/31/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the authority of a school district to impose ad valorem taxes.

Impact

The change in tax calculation could significantly affect how school districts fund their operations and educational services. By creating a framework that permits higher rollback rate calculations, this bill intends to support districts in maintaining or increasing their financial resources in response to the local economic landscape and educational demands. However, it could also impose additional financial implications for property owners within those districts, as an increase in tax levies could occur if districts take advantage of the new calculations.

Summary

SB2274 pertains to the authority of school districts in Texas to impose ad valorem taxes. Specifically, it introduces a modification to how the rollback tax rate is calculated for school districts which have previously adopted a maintenance and operations tax rate lower than their effective maintenance and operations tax rate in the preceding tax year. This change allows for a potentially higher rollback rate calculation, thereby giving school districts more flexibility in adjusting their tax rates when necessary.

Contention

While this bill may offer benefits to school districts striving to enhance their financial stability, advocates for property tax reform may voice concerns regarding the implications for taxpayers. The balance between adequate funding for education and the financial burden on property owners is a potential point of contention. Critics may worry that the bill could enable school districts to levy taxes that are perceived as excessive, thus sparking debate over local tax authority and the funding of public education.