TX
Texas House Bill HB22

Texas 2023 - 88th 4th C.S.

Texas House Bill HB22

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

Caption

Relating to a determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system.

Impact

The bill specifically amends Section 39.082(c) of the Texas Education Code, excluding control measures that could penalize districts for not allocating a specified percentage of their operating funds towards instructional purposes. This adjustment is expected to provide greater flexibility to school districts in managing their finances, allowing them to address local educational demands without the pressure of strict regulatory thresholds that might detract from broader financial stability efforts. This change could potentially alleviate some burden on districts that are negotiating their fiscal responsibilities, especially in periods of budget constraints.

Summary

House Bill 22 (HB22) focuses on the determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio within the framework of the public school financial accountability rating system. This bill represents an initiative aimed at enhancing fiscal transparency and accountability among school districts in Texas by refining the metrics used to evaluate their financial health. The modification proposed in the bill is intended to ensure that school districts are not unfairly penalized for the allocation of their operating funds, particularly in ways that connect to their instructional budgets.

Sentiment

The conversation surrounding HB22 indicates a largely positive sentiment among supporters, including educational officials and fiscal accountability advocates who perceive the bill as a progressive step towards more reasonable financial assessment. However, while there was a consensus on the need for improved financial metrics, there may still be concerns about ensuring that funds are used effectively within school systems, which could foster debates focused on educational quality versus financial management practices.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB22 lies in its implications for local control over public school financing. Critics may argue that while the intent is to promote fiscal responsibility, the changes could inadvertently allow for misallocation of funds. Concerns about oversight and the effectiveness of financial management practices within school districts could spark discussions on balancing financial autonomy with accountability. The bill's application beginning with the 2024-2025 school year introduces a timeline that will require stakeholders to carefully monitor its impacts on both financial practices and educational outcomes.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
    • Section: 082
  • Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 49. Options For Local Revenue Levels In Excess Of Entitlement
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB170

Relating to a determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system.

TX HB1206

Relating to a determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system.

TX HB2808

Relating to the finality of public school accountability determinations.

TX HB2661

Relating to eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

TX HB4402

Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB40

Relating to the public school finance system.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB2295

Relating to accelerated instruction provided for public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments, indicators under the public school accountability system, and performance standards in public schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.