Texas House Bill HB142

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 8/15/25

Caption

Relating to a reduction in the maximum compressed tax rate of a school district; making an appropriation.

Impact

If enacted, HB142 would lead to a recalibration of how school districts manage their finances, potentially resulting in changes to budgeting and resource allocation. The reduced tax rate could allow for lower property tax bills for residents within those districts, which may be met with approval from taxpayers looking for relief. However, it is important to consider that a decrease in funding generated through local taxes could prompt schools to seek additional state funding or make cuts in other areas, potentially impacting educational services.

Summary

House Bill 142 addresses the maximum compressed tax rate for school districts and proposes an appropriation related to the implementation of this reduction. The bill aims to adjust the financial landscape within which public schools operate, particularly by lowering the tax rate that school districts can impose. This change is intended to alleviate some financial pressure on local residents while still ensuring that schools have adequate funding to meet their operational needs.

Contention

The deliberations surrounding HB142 may focus on the balance between providing tax relief to residents and ensuring that schools remain adequately funded. Critics may argue that reducing the tax rate could lead to insufficient resources for schools, thereby affecting the quality of education. Additionally, there could be debates on how the appropriation defined in the bill would be implemented and the long-term implications it may have on educational funding at both the state and local levels.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 2551
  • Section: 2553
  • Section: 2556

Tax Code

• Chapter 26. Assessment
  • Section: 08