Texas House Bill HB3707

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of a commission to recommend improvements to funding for special education in public schools.

Impact

The commission will focus on developing policy changes that enhance the public school finance system specifically for special education. Significant objectives include recommending a new funding structure that accurately reflects the varying levels of service needs among students with disabilities. This could entail creating a matrix-based system that aligns funding more closely with the intensity of special education services provided.

Summary

House Bill 3707 aims to establish the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding, which is tasked with evaluating and recommending improvements to the funding mechanisms for special education in public schools. The bill proposes the creation of a commission comprised of 13 members who will be appointed by state officials including the governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house, ensuring a diverse representation reflective of Texas's demographics. This structure is designed to guarantee that those with substantial knowledge of the special education system contribute to the discussions and recommendations.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB3707 may highlight the challenges and potential contention regarding funding allocation and the effectiveness of the recommended changes. Stakeholders, including educators and advocates for individuals with disabilities, may express differing views on how best to approach special education funding. Some may argue for a more equitable distribution of resources to support diverse educational needs, while others may raise concerns about the bureaucracy involved in implementing the new commission's recommendations.