Texas House Bill HB895

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a franchise or insurance premium tax credit for contributions made to certain educational assistance organizations.

Impact

The proposed legislation could significantly impact Texas education funding, particularly through tax policy modifications. By allowing businesses to receive tax credits for their contributions, the bill encourages private funding of scholarships and could potentially reduce the financial burden on state-run educational funds. The estimated cap on tax credits is set at $65 million for the first fiscal year, with provisions for a gradual incremental increase in future years, fostering a steadily growing financial support structure for educational assistance.

Summary

House Bill 895 seeks to provide a franchise or insurance premium tax credit for taxable entities that contribute to certain educational assistance organizations. The bill aims to enhance funding opportunities for scholarship programs that assist eligible students in both public and nonpublic educational institutions within Texas. Specifically, it creates a structure for tax credits aimed at incentivizing donations to organizations dedicated to providing scholarships and educational assistance, thereby benefiting students who demonstrate financial need.

Contention

While supporters advocate for the bill as a means to improve educational opportunities for financially disadvantaged students, concerns have been raised regarding its potential implications for public school funding. Critics argue that the allocation of tax credits could divert essential resources from public schools, leading to a dependence on private funding sources that may not equitably distribute educational assistance across all student demographics. The possibility of increased inequality in educational funding through such private contributions remains a central point of contention in discussions surrounding this bill.