Texas House Bill HB160

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Relating to making supplemental appropriations for education initiatives, institutions, and related agencies and giving direction regarding appropriations.

Impact

The appropriations stipulated in HB 160 are intended for a two-year period and are categorized as one-time appropriations. This legislation is crucial for enhancing mental health initiatives for children in Texas through the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium. The bill outlines specific funding allocations for various mental health programs, including enhancements to telemedicine and workforce expansion aimed at improving child and adolescent mental health services across the state.

Summary

House Bill 160 seeks to allocate supplemental appropriations for various education initiatives and related agencies. The bill specifically aims to utilize funds from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Its primary beneficiaries include the Teacher Retirement System and the Higher Education Coordinating Board, addressing funding needs exacerbated by the pandemic. The bill emphasizes the importance of not increasing premiums for health insurance related to the Teacher Retirement System due to COVID-19 claims, thereby aiming to protect educators' healthcare costs.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding the bill is the governance over the appropriated funds. HB 160 establishes a detailed direction on how these funds should be utilized, ensuring that they are applied in accordance with state and federal laws. There are stringent measures in place for monitoring the use of appropriated funds, particularly in ensuring the appropriations serve their intended purposes. Detractors may voice concerns over the centralized control of these appropriations and the potential lack of responsiveness to local needs in education and health sectors.