Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB925

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

Caption

Relating to the balance maintained in a school district's general fund and associated requirements regarding the general fund.

Impact

If enacted, HB 925 would have significant implications for the budgeting practices of Texas school districts. By requiring districts to maintain a minimum fund balance, the bill seeks to ensure that schools have adequate resources to meet their operating needs and manage unexpected expenses. This approach may help prevent school districts from facing budget shortfalls, thereby promoting more consistent educational services across the state. Additionally, public reporting on fund usage will likely lead to greater scrutiny and community engagement regarding how school funds are allocated and spent.

Summary

House Bill 925 mandates that each school district in Texas maintain a minimum balance in their general fund. This legislation is aimed at improving the financial stability of school districts by enforcing basic requirements for fund management. The bill also stipulates that school districts must publicly report on their expected use of general fund balances that surpass a designated percentage of their annual operating expenditures. These measures are intended to enhance transparency and accountability in school finance management.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a proactive measure for sound financial management, there may be points of contention regarding the specifics of the minimum balance calculations and reporting requirements. Questions could arise about how the percentage thresholds will be determined and whether they would take into account the varying financial situations of different districts. Furthermore, some stakeholders may argue that imposing such requirements could limit local decision-making and flexibility, potentially leading to one-size-fits-all solutions that do not adequately address the unique challenges faced by individual school districts.

Companion Bills

TX HB1894

Duplicate Relating to the balance maintained in a school district's general fund and associated requirements regarding the general fund.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1333

Relating to the creation of the Texas state buildings preservation endowment fund, including the transfer to the fund of the unencumbered balances of certain other funds.

TX HB13

Relating to training, preparedness, and funding for school safety and emergencies in public schools.

TX HB3050

Relating to the creation of the Texas state buildings preservation endowment fund, including the transfer to the fund of the unencumbered balances of certain other funds.

TX SB2627

Relating to funding mechanisms to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities.

TX SB857

Relating to the use of the electric generating facility fund to finance construction and maintenance of electric generating and transmission facilities in the ERCOT power region; authorizing an assessment.

TX HB38

Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.

TX HB3290

Relating to the next generation 9-1-1 service fund.

TX SB6

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.

TX HB2230

Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.

TX HB3390

Relating to the provision of information regarding distributed generation and certain electrical loads.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.