Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3759

Caption

Relating to a temporary exemption for a school district from the obligation to comply with certain unfunded state educational mandates.

Impact

The impact of HB3759 is significant as it aims to alleviate financial burdens on school districts during times when state funds are insufficient to meet mandated expenditures. By allowing these exemptions, the bill intends to provide districts with greater latitude in managing their budgets. The temporary nature of the exemption means that it seeks to offer immediate relief while acknowledging ongoing discussions on funding adequacies in the state's education budget.

Summary

House Bill 3759 proposes a temporary exemption for Texas school districts from complying with certain unfunded state educational mandates. Specifically, the bill aims to relieve school districts from obligations associated with statutory provisions that require expenditures not covered by state funding. This exemption applies to the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years and encompasses various stipulations from the Texas Education Code as well as some from the Health and Safety Code and the Occupations Code.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise concerns among educational policymakers and advocates regarding the long-term implications of exempting districts from mandates intended to ensure a baseline of educational quality. Critics may argue that unfunded mandates, although challenging, serve to uphold standards that might otherwise be neglected in a funding crisis. Others may voice concern over whether the exemption will lead to disparities in educational resources and services among districts, particularly those that are already underfunded.

Overall_position

As discussions continue around HB3759, stakeholders will likely consider the balance between providing necessary fiscal relief to school districts and maintaining the integrity of educational standards mandated by the state. The temporary nature of the law, set to expire in 2020, adds to the urgency of engaging in broader discussions on educational finance reform within Texas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB610

Relating to a temporary increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district, a temporary reduction in the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount, and a temporary protection of school districts against the resulting temporary loss in local revenue.

TX HB4853

Relating to the issuance of obligations by certain counties to pay the unfunded liabilities of the county to a public retirement system.

TX SB1

Relating to a reduction in the maximum compressed tax rate of a school district and additional state aid for certain school districts impacted by compression, an increase in the amount of certain exemptions from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, an adjustment in the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in the exemption amounts, and the protection of school districts against the resulting loss in local revenue.

TX SB70

Relating to the creation and duties of the unfunded mandates interagency work group.

TX HB2817

Relating to establishing a program allowing certain students who are educationally disadvantaged, have a disability, or failed certain assessment instruments to use state money or money the state receives for the purpose from gifts and non-federal grants to pursue certain educational alternatives to public schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.