Texas House Bill HB2463

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/17/23

Caption

Relating to an adjustment for certain school districts under the public school finance system for revenue lost due to the use of the state value of the district's taxable value of property determined by the comptroller of public accounts.

Impact

If enacted, HB2463 would directly impact the public school finance system in Texas by empowering school districts to receive state aid adjustments based on local taxable property values. It establishes a framework under which the Texas Education Agency is responsible for determining the most beneficial value for each school district, with the aim of increasing equitable funding across areas that traditionally suffer from lower local valuations. This legislation could significantly alter funding dynamics, facilitating increased financial support for districts reliant on local tax revenues for educational purposes.

Summary

House Bill 2463 focuses on providing a financial adjustment for certain school districts within Texas that experience revenue loss due to discrepancies between local and state-determined property values. Specifically, the bill targets districts whose taxable property value is calculated using the state value as established by the comptroller of public accounts. By allowing for the evaluation of funding based on local property values rather than state assessments, this bill aims to enhance the financial resources available to schools that might be adversely affected by such valuations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB2463 appears generally supportive among stakeholders in the education sector, as it represents an effort to level the playing field for school districts facing financial hardships due to systemic valuation issues. Legislators and advocacy groups emphasizing equitable education funding are likely to endorse this bill, while concerns regarding the potential financial implications for the state's budget may be raised by fiscal conservatives. Thus, it embodies a balance of educational equity against broader economic considerations.

Contention

While HB2463 has potential benefits, there may be notable points of contention surrounding its fiscal implications and the extent of government intervention in local governance regarding school funding. Some may argue that reliance on state adjustments could lead to long-term dependency on state aid rather than encouraging more localized financial solutions. Furthermore, the provision limiting adjustments to two consecutive school years introduces a mechanism that may impact stability in funding, fostering debate on the optimal approach for sustainable school financing.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 403. Comptroller Of Public Accounts
  • Section: 302