Texas House Bill HB1320

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain adjustments to the taxable value of property of certain school districts and the reduction of Foundation School Program funds received by certain school districts.

Impact

The proposed changes directly affect the financial provisions for school districts, particularly those with high mineral rights associated with their taxable properties. By adjusting taxable values and thus controlling funding allocations, the bill is designed to ensure that affected districts do not receive disproportionate funding, which could skew educational opportunities across different regions. This could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources, particularly for districts facing unique financial challenges.

Summary

House Bill 1320 aims to make specific adjustments to the taxable value of property for certain school districts in Texas, as well as to amend the funding structure provided through the Foundation School Program. The bill introduces several new provisions within the Education Code that focus on ensuring that the wealth per student in particular districts does not exceed predefined equalized wealth levels. It establishes criteria for these adjustments based on various factors like federal funding and the impact of mineral rights on property values.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1320 may arise from concerns over how the adjustments could disproportionately affect certain districts, especially those that are already financially constrained. Critics might argue that the bill could exacerbate inequalities instead of ameliorating them, as districts heavily reliant on mineral revenue may struggle more if their benefits are curtailed. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the fairness of the criteria used to determine which districts are subject to these adjustments, calling into question the overall effectiveness of the bill in addressing educational funding inequities.