89R18371 KJE-D
By: Phelan H.J.R. No. 217
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment conditioning the
implementation of a school choice program on federal reimbursement
of state expenses relating to securing the border.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article VII, Texas Constitution, is amended by
adding Section 7 to read as follows:
Sec. 7. (a) An education savings account program or a
similar program through which a child may use state money for
nonpublic primary or secondary education may not be implemented
until the comptroller of public accounts certifies to the
legislature that this state has received reimbursement from the
federal government for the cost of securing the border for the
period beginning September 1, 2015, to present, as determined by
the comptroller.
(b) On certification under Subsection (a) of this section,
the comptroller of public accounts shall establish the Texas
education savings fund outside the state treasury and deposit to
the credit of the fund 50 percent of the reimbursement received
under Subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The Texas education savings fund consists of:
(1) money appropriated, transferred, or deposited to
the credit of the fund; and
(2) any interest and other earnings attributable to
the investment of money in the fund.
(d) Money in the Texas education savings fund may be used
only for purposes of an education savings account program or a
similar program through which a child may use state money for
nonpublic primary or secondary education.
(e) Fifty percent of the reimbursement received under
Subsection (a) of this section may be appropriated only for
purposes of public education.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2025.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment conditioning the
implementation of a school choice program on federal reimbursement
of state expenses relating to securing the border."