Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3319

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

Caption

Relating to establishment, operation, and funding of charter schools.

Impact

If enacted, HB3319 will significantly influence the landscape of charter schools in Texas by altering the way charters are evaluated and issued. Notably, the bill imposes stricter criteria on the State Board of Education regarding the granting and renewal of charters. Additionally, it stipulates that a charter, once approved, will automatically renew unless determined otherwise based on prescribed standards, reflecting a shift toward stronger accountability and performance metrics in the charter school system.

Summary

House Bill 3319 aims to amend the Texas Education Code concerning the establishment, operation, and funding of open-enrollment charter schools. The bill introduces modifications to the charter application process, allowing the State Board of Education to grant charters based on more refined performance and accountability standards. It specifies that the board can issue charters to applicants who have demonstrated successful operation of charter schools either within Texas or in another state. This provision seeks to enhance the quality and oversight of new charter schools entering the system.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB3319 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who advocate for increased accountability in charter schools. Supporters argue that by allowing only high-performing entities to operate, the bill will lead to better education outcomes for students. However, there remains some apprehension about how these changes might affect existing charter schools, especially smaller or newer institutions that may struggle to meet the raised bar set by the State Board.

Contention

Points of contention regarding HB3319 center on fears from existing charter operators about the implications of stricter renewal criteria and the perception that the new regulations may create barriers for potential new entrants. Critics of the bill express concerns that the increased scrutiny could jeopardize diverse educational options within the charter system, potentially discouraging innovative or unique educational models suited for specific student populations. As the bill continues through the legislative process, debates on these issues are expected to intensify.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5092

Relating to formation, funding, and support of and the applicability of certain laws to charter schools.

TX HB1098

Relating to the admission policy of an open-enrollment charter school.

TX HB4977

Relating to the operation of open-enrollment charter schools, including enrollment procedures and the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.

TX HB4293

Relating to applications for the establishment of certain new open-enrollment charter school campuses.

TX SB90

Relating to an application for the establishment of a new open-enrollment charter school campus or site.

TX HB2203

Relating to the management, operation, and contract authority of open-enrollment charter schools.

TX SB472

Relating to the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.

TX HB531

Relating to the management and operation of open-enrollment charter schools, including certain contracts involving management and operation.

TX HB5086

Relating to an application for a charter for an open-enrollment charter school and to the expansion of a request for the revision of a charter for an open-enrollment charter school.

TX HB534

Relating to the expansion of an open-enrollment charter school.

Similar Bills

TX SB1255

Relating to a state intercept credit enhancement program for certain bonds issued by school districts.

TX HB2894

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

TX SB1869

Relating to the procedures for modifying the schedules of controlled substances.

TX HB2594

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain credit services organizations and the regulation of certain extensions of consumer credit obtained by those organizations or with regard to which the organizations provide assistance; providing an administrative penalty.

TX SB2

Relating to certain charter schools.

TX SB111

Relating to regulation of property and casualty insurance rates.

TX SB127

Relating to the establishment, operation, and funding of charter schools.

TX HB3398

Relating to county zoning authority for counties adjacent to populous counties; creating a criminal offense.