Texas House Bill HB78

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to school district tax rates, property values, and tax collections used by the commissioner of education in allocating Foundation School Program funding.

Impact

The implementation of HB 78 is expected to stabilize and potentially increase funding for local school districts by adjusting the measurement of property values and tax collections. The commissioner will adjust allocations based on estimates rather than actual figures, which may provide a more equitable distribution of educational resources. By altering the formula for funding, HB 78 addresses the fluctuating property values that impact school funding, potentially giving districts with lower property values a fairer share. However, this may raise concerns among districts with higher property values about their proportional funding as compared to those with lower tax bases.

Summary

House Bill 78 is focused on school district tax rates, property values, and tax collections, specifically in how they relate to the Foundation School Program funding allocation by the commissioner of education in Texas. The bill aims to amend an existing appropriations law from the 85th Legislature, providing guidelines on how local school districts will receive their funding based on estimated average daily attendance and local district tax rates. Importantly, it delineates how property values and tax collections would be adjusted to account for inflation, ensuring that funding reflects current economic conditions.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 78 arises from the potential implications for varying school districts across Texas. Advocates for the bill argue that it will help level the playing field for underfunded school districts, ensuring that all students have access to necessary educational resources. Conversely, critics may see the bill as an effort to redistribute wealth in a way that could disadvantage districts that traditionally rely on property tax revenues for their funding. The balance of interests between wealthier districts and those in need of additional support will likely shape the discussions around this legislation.