Texas House Bill HB4537

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Family Educational Relief Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.

Impact

The Family Educational Relief Program Fund will be financed through general revenue, appropriations, and contributions from entities eligible for an insurance premium tax credit for donations made towards the program. This financial structure intends to incentivize entities to contribute by offering tax credits, thereby expanding the resources available for funding approved educational expenses. The bill emphasizes fiscal accountability, including provisions for audits and compliance checks to ensure that the funds are utilized appropriately, specifically for educational expenses deemed necessary by the program.

Summary

House Bill 4537 establishes the Family Educational Relief Program aimed at providing educational options for children from low-income households. This program is designed to support eligible children with education-related expenses, enhancing access to diverse educational opportunities beyond the constraints of local public schooling. The bill adds a new subchapter to the Education Code which outlines the definitions, purpose, and operational mechanisms of the program, including the creation of family educational relief accounts for participants.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB 4537 include concerns over the adequacy of funding and oversight when utilizing public resources for private educational purposes. Critics may argue that the program, which allows funds to be used at private schools and with educational service providers, could undermine public schooling and lead to increased disparities in education access. Additionally, there are important considerations regarding the provision of services for children with disabilities, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines to ensure that private educational environments comply with rights afforded to those students under federal and state law.