Relating to instructional facilities funding for certain open-enrollment charter schools.
Summary
HB 2782 would change the way certain open-enrollment charter schools receive instructional facilities funding under the Texas Education Code. The bill amends Section 12.106(d) to provide charter holders funding per student in average daily attendance based on the guaranteed level of state and local funds per student per cent of tax effort under Section 46.032(a), multiplied by the state average interest and sinking fund tax rate imposed by school districts for the current year. In practical terms, this ties charter school facilities funding to a school finance formula that reflects local debt service tax rates.
The bill removes the current statutory cap that limits this funding to the lesser of the state average I&S tax rate or a rate that would keep total annual charter school funding under $60 million. The change would take effect September 1, 2025, and would apply to instructional facilities funding for eligible open-enrollment charter schools going forward.
Impact
HB 2782 would amend the Education Code to expand and simplify instructional facilities funding for certain open-enrollment charter schools by eliminating the $60 million annual cap and the alternative limiting rate calculation. This would likely increase state funding obligations for charter school facilities support and alter how the Texas Education Agency calculates payments under Section 12.106(d). The bill affects charter holders, open-enrollment charter schools, and the state school finance system, while leaving the underlying guaranteed funding formula tied to school district interest and sinking fund tax rates in place.
Sentiment
Based on the available context, the bill appears to have been introduced and referred to the House Public Education Committee without recorded votes or committee testimony in the provided materials. As a result, there is no documented floor debate or formal vote history here to indicate strong support or opposition. The bill’s subject matter suggests it is likely to be of interest to charter school advocates and education finance stakeholders, but the available record does not show a clear public sentiment in the committee materials provided.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the removal of the $60 million cap on charter school instructional facilities funding. Supporters would likely view the bill as improving equity and predictability in facilities funding for charter schools, while opponents may argue that eliminating the cap could increase state costs and divert resources from traditional public school districts. Another potential issue is the use of the state average interest and sinking fund tax rate as the benchmark, which may raise concerns about how charter school facilities funding is linked to local school district debt service tax effort.
Relating to the establishment of a new open-enrollment charter school campus by certain charter holders and to the expansion of an open-enrollment charter school.
Relating to charter schools, including the admission, enrollment, and employment policies of and the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.
Relating to charter schools, including the admission, enrollment, and employment policies of and the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.