Relating to the sale or donation of certain school district property for the development of affordable housing for school district personnel and other income-eligible persons.
Impact
If enacted, SB1114 would amend existing education and government codes to enhance the ability of independent school districts to directly adapt their property for affordable housing solutions. By addressing the critical need for affordable housing among school staff, including teachers, administrators, and counselors, the bill aims to improve retention and stability within the educational workforce. Furthermore, it sets specific requirements for the allocation of housing units to ensure that a significant portion remains accessible to low- and moderate-income families.
Summary
SB1114 aims to facilitate the development of affordable housing specifically for school district personnel and other income-eligible individuals by enabling school district boards of trustees to sell or donate school property. This initiative is particularly targeted at school districts located in certain counties of Texas, especially those bordering the Gulf of Mexico and with small populations. The bill allows transactions that can occur at less than fair market value, focusing on creating a public benefit through affordable housing initiatives.
Sentiment
General sentiment surrounding SB1114 highlights an awareness of the housing crisis affecting educational personnel. Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes social equity and addresses the critical issues of affordability in housing for educators, which is crucial for the long-term stability of schools. However, there may also be concerns raised regarding the implications of selling public school property and whether such actions adequately serve public interest and community needs.
Contention
Notable points of contention include potential fears that facilitated property transactions could prioritize development over student and community needs. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to solve housing problems for educators, it could lead to the loss of public assets and resources. Thus, thorough assessments and public hearings are mandated before any resolutions can be adopted, emphasizing the need for community engagement in these decisions.
Relating to the eligibility of certain municipalities to establish homestead preservation districts and reinvestment zones and to certain regulatory prohibitions applicable in those districts and zones.
Relating to requirements for beneficial tax treatment related to a leasehold or other possessory interest in a public facility used to provide affordable housing.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of a portion of the market value of certain leased residential real properties, to establish and prescribe the permissible uses of the property tax relief to rental households fund, and to include payments from the property tax relief to rental households fund in the exception of certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
In State funds formula, further providing for certification and calculation of minimum and maximum modifiers; and, in senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for property tax and rent rebate, for funds for payment of claims and for claim forms and rules and regulations.
In tax relief in cities of the first class, further providing for supplemental senior citizen tax reduction; and, in senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for definitions, for property tax and rent rebate and for funds for payment of claims.
In tax relief in cities of the first class, further providing for supplemental senior citizen tax reduction; and, in senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for definitions, for property tax and rent rebate and for funds for payment of claims.