Texas House Bill HB2802

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the amounts, availability, and use of certain statutorily dedicated revenue and accounts; reducing or affecting the amounts of certain statutorily dedicated fees.

Impact

The implications of HB 2802 are extensive as it modifies how various educational and truancy intervention programs receive funding, which may also impact local governmental entities reliant on these funds for addressing truancy issues. The bill emphasizes a more cautious approach toward financial management of state revenues, requiring that funds appropriated from the truancy prevention and diversion fund to the Texas Education Agency must be contingent upon prior year funding levels. This is expected to foster a predictable financial environment for planning interventions but may create hurdles if local jurisdictions cannot meet these funding thresholds.

Summary

House Bill 2802 addresses the management of certain statutorily dedicated revenues and accounts, specifically focusing on changes to the truancy prevention and diversion fund as well as allocation strategies for educational programs. The bill sets forth amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Education Code to manage the distribution of funds for truancy intervention services, ensuring that appropriations are conditioned on previous funding levels and the anticipated amount that will be deposited into the fund. This approach reflects an effort to streamline and control how tax revenues are allocated, thereby moderating unrestricted access to state funds for local entities.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB 2802 appears to lean towards cautious optimism from supporters who believe that the bill enforces fiscal discipline while ensuring that truancy interventions receive the necessary funding. However, there are some concerns from opposition regarding the stringent conditions for fund allocations that could limit local agencies' flexibility in addressing immediate needs in truancy interventions. The debate reflects a broader concern over state oversight versus local control, as educational entities navigate the new stipulations set forth.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the potential for reduced funding for local initiatives if prior funding levels are not met, limiting the ability of educational institutions to respond promptly to truancy issues. Critics warn that this may disproportionately affect areas with higher truancy rates that rely heavily on state funds to implement necessary services. The balance between maintaining fiscal responsibility and the essential services that support at-risk students continues to be a critical discussion point among lawmakers and educational authorities.