Texas Senate Bill SB1252

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a reduction in school funding under the Foundation School Program for a school district that receives a supplemental payment under an agreement to limit the appraised value of property in the district.

Impact

The implementation of SB1252 is expected to modify how school districts budget and allocate their resources, particularly those districts that benefit from property appraisal limitations. By offsetting state funding based on supplemental payments, the bill seeks to ensure that property value-related financial benefits do not unduly inflate a district's educational funding. This could lead to shifts in financial support for different districts across the state, particularly impacting those reliant on such agreements for school revenue.

Summary

SB1252 addresses the Foundation School Program in Texas by mandating a reduction in state funding for school districts that receive supplemental payments due to agreements that limit the appraised value of property within those districts. Specifically, the bill allows for adjustments to the funding amount a district receives, essentially reducing it by the amount of any supplemental payment received in the preceding fiscal year under specified provisions of the Tax Code. This change aims to create a more equitable approach to school funding linked to property values.

Contention

Notably, SB1252 raises potential concerns and debates regarding equity in school funding. Proponents argue that by reducing funding to districts that receive excess financial support through property value limitations, the bill promotes fairness across the educational landscape. However, opponents may contend that this approach could disproportionately affect school districts that already face financial challenges, leaving them with fewer resources to meet educational needs. The balance between equitable funding and the financial realities of various districts is thus a critical point of contention surrounding the bill.