Relating to the dissemination of certain school district ad valorem tax-related information.
Impact
If enacted, HB 4847 would amend the Texas Tax Code by adding a new subsection that requires the appraisal districts to include detailed information about property taxes and the recapture process in their databases. The intent is to enhance transparency regarding how local property taxes are utilized in funding the state's education system, showcasing the flow of funds from local collections to the state's general revenue. This could potentially lead to increased public awareness and understanding of the relationship between property taxes and educational funding mechanisms in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 4847 addresses the dissemination of certain ad valorem tax-related information by school districts in Texas. The bill mandates that school districts with local revenue levels exceeding their entitled amounts provide specific details regarding tax collections. This includes percentages of maintenance and operations taxes imposed, payments due under agreements for purchasing attendance credits, and a statement explaining how local property taxes contribute to public education funding.
Sentiment
The general sentiment regarding HB 4847 appears to be cautiously positive, as it aims to clarify and streamline the communication of important tax-related information concerning education funding. Supporters view it as a necessary step toward transparency, believing that better-informed citizens will lead to more robust discussions about education funding. However, there is also a recognition of potential challenges related to the implementation and efficiency of disseminating this information across various school districts, which may create a mix of optimism and apprehension.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding the bill revolves around the balance between transparency and administrative burden. Some critics might argue that imposing additional reporting requirements on school districts could divert attention from educational priorities and lead to issues with compliance. There are concerns about whether smaller or resource-limited districts would struggle to meet the requirements set forth by the bill without compromising their operational capacities. Thus, while aiming for greater accountability in funding, the bill presents challenges in execution.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Tax Code
Chapter 26. Assessment
Section: 16
Section: New Section
Section: 17
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 31. Collections
Section: 01
Education Code
Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 49. Options For Local Revenue Levels In Excess Of Entitlement
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the inclusion of certain information about classroom and student expenditures in the notice of the budget and proposed tax rate meeting of the board of trustees of a school district.
Relating to the information required to be included in or with a school district ad valorem tax bill and posted on the tax-related information county internet website.
Relating to the information required to be included in or with a school district ad valorem tax bill and posted on the tax-related information county internet website.