Bill

HB 21

85(1) - 2017
House Public Education
Senate Education
House Public Education
Senate Education

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Dan Huberty

Sponsor(s)

Larry Taylor

Bill Caption

Relating to the public school finance system.

Fiscal Notes

From LBB: Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB21, Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted: a positive impact of $720,550 through the biennium ending August 31, 2019.

Bill Analysis

This legislation would add up to $60 million in new facilities funding for open-enrollment charter schools. This bill would create a Financial Hardship Transition Program using formula-based grant funding to help ease financial hardships for school districts affected by expiration of the Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction program. Funds under this program would be distributed by grants which would be available to charter schools in addition to independent school districts.

Vote Recommendation Notes

So long as the state administers a public education system, that system should be effective, efficient, and capable of meeting the needs of a diverse student population. Open-enrollment charter schools are a vital part of our state's public school system and should be funded appropriately. This legislation seeks to achieve that goal. We support CSHB 21.