Texas Senate Bill SB240

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 12/15/14

Caption

Relating to the state's contribution to the financing of public education.

Impact

If enacted, SB240 would have a significant impact on how public education is financed in Texas, promoting the notion of equitable financial support regardless of local economic conditions. The bill tries to safeguard the educational funding from potential dips that might arise from increasing local property tax revenues. By enforcing the stipulation that state contributions should be at least equivalent to previous funding levels, it aims to provide a more predictable and stable financial environment for public schools, potentially leading to improved educational outcomes.

Summary

SB240 proposes to amend the Texas Education Code regarding the state's financial contributions to public education. The bill stipulates that the state's contribution should not decrease due to rising local property values. It aims to ensure a consistent level of financial support for public education by mandating that the legislation provide adequate funding through the General Appropriations Act. This funding must align with the state's expenditure for education from the previous biennium, ensuring stability for educational institutions amidst fluctuating local tax revenues.

Contention

Some points of contention around SB240 may arise concerning the balance of funding between state and local sources. Proponents argue that the bill promotes fair distribution of educational resources, while critics may contend that it does not sufficiently address the underlying issues of adequate local funding and could lead to reliance on state support. Additionally, the requirement for a two-thirds vote for immediate effect raises political questions regarding legislative priorities and the urgency of educational funding reforms.