Texas House Bill HB1070

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a reduction in the cost of attendance credits for certain school districts that purchase windstorm and hail insurance.

Impact

The impact of HB 1070 on state laws primarily revolves around educational funding regulations. This law modifies existing provisions in the Education Code regarding how attendance credits are calculated for districts that face significant risks from severe weather events. By allowing these districts to deduct the cost of their windstorm and hail insurance from their attendance credit obligations, the bill aims to ease financial pressures, particularly for those located in vulnerable coastal regions.

Summary

House Bill 1070 is designed to reduce the financial burden on certain school districts in Texas by allowing them to reduce the attendance credits that they are required to purchase. Specifically, this bill targets school districts that operate in areas prone to windstorms and hail by providing a mechanism for these districts to account for their insurance costs. The legislation stipulates that if a district buys separate insurance through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association or similar insurance providers for the losses caused by windstorms or hail, they will be able to reduce their attendance credits by the amount spent on that insurance.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise related to the bill’s implementation and its effectiveness in addressing the concerns of affected school districts. Critics might argue that while the intent of the bill is to provide financial relief, it may also create disparities between districts that can afford comprehensive insurance policies and those that cannot. This situation raises questions about equitable funding for education and the potential risks of underfunding in areas without adequate insurance coverage. Furthermore, there may be discussions on how the proposed process for obtaining necessary documentation will be handled and the administrative burden it might impose on school districts.