Bill Caption

Relating to funding for the Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 771 would strike current language that treats the academy as a school district that has a local fund share equivalent to the Beaumont Independent School District for the purpose of Foundation School Program funding. The bill would instead treat the academy as a school district without a tier one local share. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would entitle the academy to receive the total entitlement from the state that a similar student receives in the Beaumont Independent School District. Currently, the academy only receives the state portion, not the local portion, as it is not a taxing entity.

The legislature does have a legitimate role in funding school districts since public education is a constitutional role of the state. Because the school this legislation addresses is unique compared to traditional public schools it makes sense that its funding needs to be addressed in a unique way. That being said, there is no discernible connection to the principles of liberty so we remain neutral.