Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1140

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

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Permanent School Fund Management Council to manage the permanent school fund; providing a criminal penalty.

Impact

Should this legislation pass, it would likely have significant implications for educational funding and governance. The establishment of the Management Council represents a shift in oversight that could lead to more strategic investment of the permanent school fund, which in turn may result in increased financial stability for education financing. Furthermore, the bill directs the council to provide regular assessments of the economic impacts of the fund's investments, potentially fostering transparency and informed decision-making.

Summary

House Bill 1140 establishes the Permanent School Fund Management Council, tasked with overseeing the management of the permanent school fund. This bill aims to create a structured governing body that is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of funds designated for educational purposes. By centralizing the management of the permanent school fund, HB1140 seeks to enhance accountability and oversight related to how these funds are utilized to support education in the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment towards HB1140 appears to align with a supportive stance among legislators focused on improving the effectiveness of education financing. Supporters argue that a dedicated management council brings a level of expertise that will benefit the long-term health of the school fund and, consequently, public education. However, there could be concerns voiced about the concentration of authority within a council and whether this aligns with the diverse needs of various educational institutions across the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may include debates over the composition of the council and the potential influence of political appointees on education funding decisions. Questions may arise regarding how well the council can represent the interests of different districts served by the permanent school fund and whether the legislation might inadvertently centralize decision-making too much, potentially fostering a disconnect between fund management and local educational needs.

Companion Bills

TX HJR85

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment to create the Permanent School Fund Management Council to assume the duty of the State Board of Education to manage the permanent school fund.

Similar Bills

TX HB2894

Relating to additional guarantees for certain bonds issued by school districts.

TX SB2440

Relating to the Texas school finance system, including the creation of the bicentennial education fund, the establishment of the Texas Education Investment Management Organization, and the management and investment of the permanent school fund.

TX SB1

Relating to certain state fiscal matters; providing penalties.

TX SB1232

Relating to the management and investment of the permanent school fund, including authorizing the creation of the Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation to manage and invest the fund and limiting the authority of the School Land Board to manage and invest the fund if the corporation is created.

TX SB1858

Relating to public school finance matters, including the imposition of a state ad valorem tax for elementary and secondary school purposes.

TX SB2607

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

TX SB1686

Relating to public school finance matters, including the imposition of a state ad valorem tax for elementary and secondary school purposes and a school district ad valorem enrichment tax.

TX SB2157

Relating to deposits of funds into a court registry by a clerk of a justice court.