Texas House Bill HB4139

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Technology Lending Program to provide grants to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.

Impact

The bill mandates the establishment of a grant program overseen by the commissioner of education, who will review applications from school districts and charter schools. To qualify for these grants, institutions must demonstrate the availability of existing technology, other funding sources, and their technology plans. The proposed funding cap is $25 million, indicating significant investment in educational technology, which could enhance student learning experiences and promote digital literacy across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4139 aims to create a Technology Lending Program in Texas, designed to provide grants to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. The bill emphasizes ensuring that students have access to essential technological equipment required for utilizing electronic instructional materials. This initiative is particularly important as educational institutions increasingly rely on technology for effective learning methodologies.

Contention

Notably, the bill allows for the commissioner to set specific terms for the grants, including usage limits and recovery provisions for funds not utilized per grant guidelines. While the bill could enhance the technological capabilities of public education in Texas, potential points of contention may arise over the distribution of funds and the effectiveness of the program in genuinely improving access to technology for underserved populations. Discussions around ensuring equitable access to these resources could be a focal point among stakeholders.