Bill

HB 1081

85(R) - 2017
House Public Education
Senate Education
House Public Education
Senate Education

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Diana Arevalo

Sponsor(s)

Kirk Watson

Bill Caption

Relating to the new instructional facility allotment under the foundation school program.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 1081 would set a new definition for "New Instructional Facility" in the Education Code. The new definition would include certain leased or repurposed facilities in addition to actual new construction facilities. This would allow some additional flexibility in funding for instructional facilities. 

This bill would also increase the allotment under the New Instructional Facilities Allotment (NIFA) of the Foundation School Program from $250 to $1,000 for each student in average daily attendance at an eligible facility. Current law caps distributions under NIFA at $25 million annually. This bill would not change that cap. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Because this would merely be changing the amount eligible to be distributed per student and not the total amount being distributed by the program, we remain neutral. Though we do caution the legislature to exercise fiscal restraint both now and in the future to prevent bloating of this program.