85R3024 KKA-F By: Bohac H.B. No. 1263 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the provision of funding under the foundation school program on the basis of property values that exclude one-half of optional homestead exemptions. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 7.062(c), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, if the commissioner certifies that the amount appropriated for a state fiscal year for purposes of Subchapters A and B, Chapter 46, exceeds the amount to which school districts are entitled under those subchapters for that year, the commissioner shall use the excess funds, in an amount not to exceed $20 million in any state fiscal year, for the purpose of making grants under this section. The use of excess funds under this subsection has priority over any provision of Chapter 42 that permits or directs the use of excess foundation school program funds, including Sections 42.2517, 42.2521, [42.2522,] and 42.2531. The commissioner is required to use excess funds as provided by this subsection only if the commissioner is not required to reduce the total amount of state funds allocated to school districts under Section 42.253(h). SECTION 2. Section 42.2522, Education Code, is repealed. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.