Texas House Bill HJR27

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation unless the requirement is met.

Impact

If enacted, HJR27 would amend existing regulations regarding state and local funding for education. The bill addresses a persistent challenge in the financial structure of public schools, aiming to reduce dependency on local property taxes, which can create disparities in educational funding across districts. By establishing a state funding formula, the amendment seeks to centralize and stabilize funding, potentially leading to a more equitable distribution of resources among schools. This change could enhance the quality of education statewide, as districts would be less reliant on fluctuating property tax revenues.

Summary

HJR27 proposes a constitutional amendment in Texas that mandates the state to contribute at least 50% of the funding required to maintain and operate the public school system. This significant update to the Texas Constitution is viewed as a step toward ensuring a more reliable funding source for education and aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by local districts. Moreover, the bill stipulates that the state comptroller is prohibited from endorsing any legislation containing appropriations for public education unless the required funding contribution is met. This mechanism intends to guarantee compliance with the new financial obligation.

Contention

Notably, HJR27 may also ignite debates on state versus local control over education funding. While supporters argue that the amendment will provide much-needed financial stability, opponents may raise concerns regarding the implications of state intervention in local fiscal matters. Opponents might argue that local districts should have more autonomy in deciding their funding sources, rather than relying heavily on state mandates that could shift local governance dynamics. This contention underscores the ongoing discourse about the nature of education funding and priorities within the state's legislative framework.