Texas House Bill HB2389

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the applicability of certain requirements to certain nonprofit organizations regarding before-school and after-school programs established by school districts.

Impact

The proposed changes to Section 33.9031 of the Education Code signify an important shift towards simplifying the contracting process for school districts. By removing the obligation for some nonprofits to undergo a formal procurement process, the bill enables schools greater flexibility in partnering with organizations that already have established reputations and expertise in providing childcare services. This may result in increased efficiency and potentially lower operational costs for school districts, hence promoting enhanced program accessibility for families in need of such services.

Summary

House Bill 2389 aims to streamline the process by which school districts can contract with nonprofit organizations for before-school and after-school programs. Under the revised statute, schools are no longer required to conduct a request for proposals procurement process when entering into agreements with specific nonprofit organizations that are exempt from child-care licensing requirements. This proposal was motivated by the intention to encourage the use of nonprofit organizations for these programs, which are often seen as essential for providing care and supervision for students outside of regular school hours.

Contention

However, the bill does raise questions about the implications for accountability and oversight. Critics may argue that exempting certain nonprofit organizations from the procurement process could limit transparency and the ability for school districts to ensure that they are making the best possible financial and quality decisions. There may also be concerns regarding the standards maintained by these organizations in comparison to licensed child-care facilities, which traditionally undergo stricter regulations to ensure safety and quality of care for children.