Relating to the prohibited use of public money to pay the costs of providing public benefits to certain persons.
If enacted, HB 133 would amend several sections of the Education Code, specifically instituting requirements that mandate school districts to charge tuition based on the average costs of providing educational services to those students who do not have legal residency status. This change in policy would not only affect the funding flow to schools but could also lead to significant implications for the educational rights of immigrant children, promoting the notion that education should be made less accessible to this demographic. Additionally, state agencies would be prohibited from offering public benefits such as healthcare and housing services to individuals defined by the bill as ineligibly without proper immigration status.
House Bill 133 seeks to prohibit the use of public funds for providing public benefits to individuals who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States. The bill emphasizes the need to discourage illegal migration and to align more closely with federal immigration laws. Proponents argue that the existing situation, characterized by high numbers of students from diverse nationalities and languages, is straining school and state resources, necessitating restrictions on public benefits to non-citizens. The bill aims to better allocate state resources to residents who are legally entitled to such benefits.
The sentiment surrounding HB 133 is deeply polarized. Supporters, primarily from conservative and Republican sectors, view the bill as a necessary step in safeguarding taxpayer resources and enforcing immigration laws more stringently. They celebrate the bill as a means to encourage adherence to federal immigration policies and preserve the availability of public benefits for those legally residing in Texas. Conversely, opponents, including various advocacy groups and some Democratic legislators, argue that the bill is discriminatory and undermines the welfare of vulnerable populations, particularly children. They express concerns that such policies will exacerbate social inequalities and deny essential services to those in need.
Some of the most notable points of contention regarding HB 133 arise from the implications it poses to local governments and school districts. Critics argue that this legislation will financially burden educational institutions, particularly as it pertains to undocumented students who may already experience significant challenges. The law would not only discourage non-citizen students from accessing education but could also affect the overall quality of education available as schools grapple with funding shortfalls due to restrictions on subsidies for these students. The debates reflect broader tensions regarding immigration policy, public resources, and the rights of various communities within Texas.
Education Code
Health And Safety Code