Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB90

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an application for the establishment of a new open-enrollment charter school campus or site.

Impact

If enacted, SB90 would significantly modify how new charter schools are approved in Texas. It will introduce a mandatory fiscal analysis which could lead to increased scrutiny of the potential impact on local school districts and state finances. The requirement for public notification and a formal review process may also foster greater transparency in the charter approval process, allowing stakeholders, including local school officials and legislators, to be more informed about the proposed charter campuses in their areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 90 aims to establish a revised process for applications concerning the formation of new open-enrollment charter school campuses in Texas. Central to this legislation is the requirement for charter holders to submit an application to the commissioner of education along with detailed fiscal reports estimating the financial implications for the state and neighboring school districts over a ten-year period following the establishment of a new campus. The bill stipulates that the State Board of Education must approve or disapprove applications based on the recommendations from the commissioner, effectively altering the current framework governing charter school applications in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB90 appears to reflect a mix of support and opposition. Proponents of the bill argue that the enhanced scrutiny and requirement for fiscal analysis will lead to more informed decision-making when establishing new charter schools. They believe it will serve to protect the interests of existing school districts and ensure financial considerations are adequately addressed. Conversely, opponents might view this bill as an additional hurdle for charter school development, suggesting it could stifle educational innovation and limit options available to parents and students seeking alternative educational environments.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions around SB90 include the balance between educational choice and the fiscal responsibility to existing school districts. Critics raise concerns that overly stringent application processes may hinder new educational initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. Supporters, however, contend that the fiscal implications of new charter schools must be taken seriously to safeguard public funding and ensure that existing schools are not unduly threatened by new entrants in the educational landscape.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 12. Charters
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA SB272

State government: gender-neutral terms: California Conservation Corps.

IL HB2567

ELEC CD-BD OF ELECTION COMM

IL HB5223

ELEC CD-BD OF ELECTION COMM

CA SB362

Employment: unpaid wages and benefits: internet website.

CA AB2009

California Travel and Tourism Commission.

CA AB1920

California Travel and Tourism Commission.

CT HB05573

An Act Concerning Brownfield Remediation And Development.

CA AB736

California Travel and Tourism Commission: meetings: records and minutes.