Texas House Bill HB4303

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the adjustment of the average daily attendance of a school district due to a disaster that disrupts in-person attendance.

Impact

The bill directly impacts how school funding is calculated in the event of a disaster, addressing the financial stability of districts affected by prolonged in-person attendance disruptions. By enabling these adjustments, HB 4303 seeks to protect educational institutions from losing vital funding resources during periods of crisis, ensuring that they are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control. This legislative change is predicated on the understanding that consistent school funding is essential for maintaining educational services even in challenging times.

Summary

House Bill 4303 focuses on the adjustment of the average daily attendance (ADA) for school districts located in areas affected by disasters. It aims to amend Section 48.006 of the Education Code, allowing the Texas Commissioner of Education to adjust ADA figures when in-person attendance is disrupted due to disasters as declared by the president or governor. This adjustment is crucial to ensure that school districts continue to receive funding comparable to their usual intake, even when attendance drops significantly due to an emergency situation.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 4303 may include concerns about its implementation and effectiveness. Some may argue that the criteria for adjusting attendance must be clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and ensure fair application across districts. Additionally, the potential for misuse or misinterpretation of disaster declarations could lead to controversies over which districts qualify for funding adjustments. Stakeholders will need to monitor these aspects to ensure that the bill fulfills its intention without introducing inequities into the system.