Texas House Bill HB2709

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study conducted by the Texas Education Agency on the financial costs of providing educational services to persons who are not lawfully present in the United States.

Impact

The findings from this study, due by December 1, 2018, are intended to guide the governor, lieutenant governor, and house speaker regarding the fiscal impacts of educational services provided to undocumented individuals. Depending on the outcomes, the report could lead to significant discussions about state funding allocations and the responsibilities of public schools towards students without lawful presence. This could ultimately influence legislative changes or funding policies concerning education in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2709 requires the Texas Education Agency to conduct a study examining the financial costs of providing educational services to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. The bill specifically targets the analysis of costs incurred during the 2017-2018 school year, aimed at quantifying the financial impact on public school districts across Texas. This legislation highlights an ongoing debate regarding the educational funding of non-resident students and aims to provide data to inform future policy decisions.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on data gathering, it underscores significant points of contention related to immigration policy and education funding. Proponents argue that understanding these costs is critical for responsible budgeting and resource allocation, while opponents may view the study as a step towards restricting access to education for undocumented students. The potential implications of this report could stir debates around equity in education, as it affects how resources are distributed among various student populations.