Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system.
Impact
If passed, HB 1304 would have significant implications for how public school funding is appropriated and distributed in Texas. By establishing a requirement for state funding that meets or exceeds a specific threshold, the bill seeks to provide more predictable and secure financial support for public education. This change could help stabilize funding levels, thereby directly impacting school districts' operating budgets and the quality of education provided to Texas students.
Summary
House Bill 1304 seeks to amend the Texas Education Code specifically regarding the public school finance system. The legislation mandates that in each biennial General Appropriations Act, the legislature must determine the basic allotment and guaranteed yield of state and local funds for public schools. This bill aims to ensure that public education funding meets the minimum requirements set forth in the Texas Constitution, potentially addressing long-standing issues surrounding educational financing in Texas.
Sentiment
The feedback regarding HB 1304 has been largely supportive among educational advocates and some legislative members who view it as a necessary step to reallocate resources and improve funding equity across school districts. However, there may be apprehension from fiscal conservatives concerned about the broader financial implications, including the potential for increased taxes or reallocation of funds from other state services necessary to meet the funding requirements stated in the proposed amendments.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1304 is its conditional effectiveness, which hinges on the approval of a constitutional amendment proposed during the 88th Regular Legislative Session. This amendment stipulates that the state must cover at least 50% of public school operating costs, introducing a sense of uncertainty regarding the funding structure. Critics question whether this condition will be met, which could render the bill ineffective. Furthermore, discussions may arise regarding the long-term sustainability of such funding levels and the influence it may have on other areas of state budgeting.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
TX HJR76
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
Relating to requiring the legislature to set the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system at certain amounts in the General Appropriations Act.
Relating to requiring the legislature to set the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system at certain amounts in the General Appropriations Act.
Relating to requiring the legislature to set the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system at certain amounts in the General Appropriations Act.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, certain allotments under the Foundation School Program, determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system, and credit for prepayment of the amount required to be paid by a school district for the purchase of attendance credit under the public school finance system.