Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB500

Caption

Relating to reimbursement for disaster remediation costs of certain school districts.

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to enhance the financial support structures available to school districts facing disaster-related expenses. By allowing reimbursements from various funding sources, including amounts from the Foundation School Program, HB500 aims to ensure that education is not disrupted due to financial strain post-disaster. The bill insists that the commissioner of education would have the authority to determine the availability of funds for reimbursement, which could potentially streamline the process for affected districts.

Summary

House Bill 500 focuses on the reimbursement for disaster remediation costs incurred by certain school districts in Texas. The bill amends Sections of the Education Code to clarify the circumstances and guidelines under which reimbursements will be provided. This includes provisions for both districts that are not required to take action under Chapter 41 and those that are, establishing a framework for addressing the fiscal impacts of disasters on educational institutions.

Contention

While the bill is geared towards providing necessary assistance to school districts, discussions surrounding its implementation have raised concerns about the adequacy and speed of reimbursements. Critics argue that the reliance on certain conditions for funding could delay much-needed financial aid when school districts are in urgent need of support following a disaster. Moreover, some stakeholders are wary of how the rules will be structured to define 'disaster remediation costs' and which types of documentation will be required for claims, as this could affect the ease with which districts can access funds.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX HB38

Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB620

Relating to repeal of provisions requiring a school district to reduce its local revenue level in excess of entitlement.

TX SB2

Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.