Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB701

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

Caption

Relating to state assistance to fund public school instructional facilities that meet certain design and construction, renovation, or improvement standards.

Impact

The implementation of SB701 is expected to significantly influence state laws regarding public school funding and construction practices. By mandating that certain standards be met for facilities to receive financial support, the bill will not only enhance the physical environment of schools but may also encourage districts to adopt innovative construction techniques. If the required funding is appropriated, there will be a notable long-term benefit to students and communities through improved educational facilities.

Summary

SB701, an act related to state assistance for funding public school instructional facilities, aims to ensure that funds are allocated to schools that adopt advanced design and construction standards. The bill amends existing provisions in the Education Code to guarantee increased state and local funding for school districts that build, renovate, or improve facilities that achieve specific high-performance building certifications. This initiative reflects a growing trend towards sustainability in educational infrastructure, emphasizing energy efficiency and indoor air quality in school environments.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has stirred debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that providing additional funds for sustainable building projects is essential for modernizing school infrastructure and providing a conducive learning environment. Critics, however, express concerns over the financial implications for districts that may struggle to meet the stringent design requirements, which might exclude them from essential funding opportunities. This dichotomy illustrates the broader challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with progressive educational initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4344

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

TX SB2607

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

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 HB5170

Relating to public school finance and public education.

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 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.

TX HB1376

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

Similar Bills

ND HB1369

The determination of state aid, boarding care costs, the coal development trust fund, the school construction assistance revolving loan fund, public improvement construction, bonds from contractors for public improvements, and school district levies; and to provide an effective date.

CA SB765

Planning and zoning: housing.

TX HB3149

Relating to the adoption and financing of energy efficiency, conservation, and indoor air quality standards for the design, construction, and renovation of public school instructional facilities.

CA AB778

Local Agency Public Construction Act: internet website posting.

ND SB2398

Baseline funding and the determination of state school aid, loans from the coal development trust fund, and evidences of indebtedness; to provide an appropriation; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

CA AB497

Special education: braille instructional aide: notice of teacher credentialing programs.

TX SB1409

Relating to public information regarding facilities of school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.

ND SB2284

School district enrollment, the definition of "probationary teacher", a school district's policy governing possession of a weapon, the definition of "dangerous weapon", modification of weighting factors, transition maximums and an increase in per student payments, and the school construction revolving loan fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide for an exemption; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.