Texas House Bill HJR82

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the authorization or funding of an elementary or secondary education voucher program.

Impact

Should this amendment be approved by voters, it would have significant implications for how education funding is allocated within the state. The prohibition would effectively eliminate any existing or future voucher programs, which are often designed to allow public funds to be used for private education. This would mean that parents looking for alternatives to public schooling would not have state or local financial support via vouchers to assist in their children's enrollment in private institutions, impacting school choice options across Texas.

Summary

HJR82 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that aims to prohibit the authorization and funding of any elementary or secondary education voucher program. The resolution clearly states that the legislature would not be permitted to appropriate funds that would facilitate the use of public revenue for the attendance of students at private schools. It lays down a clear definition of what constitutes a private school, emphasizing that such establishments are distinct from government-funded educational institutions.

Contention

There are noteworthy points of contention surrounding HJR82. Proponents argue that public education funding should remain solely for public schools, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the public education system. Conversely, opponents may argue that by preventing such voucher programs, the amendment limits parental choice in education, particularly in cases where public schools do not meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities who may seek alternative educational avenues.

Final_note

In respect to enforcement and implementation, the amendment specifies that while it prohibits vouchers for general education, it does allow for exceptions regarding students with disabilities, aligning with federal mandates for special education services. This nuanced approach may mitigate some concerns from advocates for students with special needs while still maintaining a firm stance against broader voucher programs.