Bill: HB 866, 83(R) - 2013

Bill Caption

There would be a corresponding loss of sales and use tax revenue to local taxing jurisdictions.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB866: a positive impact of $13,380,000 through the biennium ending August 31, 2015. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. School districts could experience savings associated with reduced assessments. Savings would vary depending on the number of students scoring at levels required for exemption and the degree to which school districts opt not to assess students on a discretionary basis.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 866 seeks to reduce the testing burden for students in grades three through eight by eliminating certain assessment requirements, allowing students to take an assessment for the previous year when they did not perform well, and allowing the state to submit a waiver to the federal government for education requirements that this bill violates.

Analysis: HB 866 performs a legitimate role of government by allowing the state to determine the best method for assessing a student's academic progress. This legislation seeks to provide more time for teachers to dedicate towards educating their students rather than focusing on preparing them for an exam. Furthermore, HB 866 gives the state more autonomy to tailor education to meet the needs of Texas' students rather than the federal government requirements that may not address the unique needs of this state. Lastly, the reduction in assessments also reduces the cost to the state and ultimately the burden on taxpayers. We support HB 866.

Source URL (retrieved on 04/20/2024 08:04 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/hb866?print_view=true