WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2051

Relating to a limitation on the amount of school property tax revenue that is subject to recapture under the public school finance system.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Morgan Meyer and 1 co-sponsor

Bill caps school property tax recapture, letting wealthy districts keep more local revenue rather than redistribute it to under-resourced schools.

Referred to Public Education
#education #commissionerof(v9954) #education--primary&secondary--finance(i0250) #education--schooldistricts(i0220) #taxation--schooldistrict(i0785)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2051

Legislative bill overview

HB 2051 proposes to cap the amount of school property tax revenue that can be recaptured under Texas's public school finance system. The recapture mechanism (often called "Robin Hood") currently requires wealthy school districts to share excess tax revenue with the state to support poorer districts. This bill would limit how much revenue is subject to that redistribution.

Why is this important

Texas's school finance system relies on recapture to address funding disparities between wealthy and under-resourced districts. Limiting recapture would allow high-wealth districts to retain more local tax revenue, potentially affecting state funding available for equalization payments to lower-wealth districts. This directly impacts how education dollars are distributed across Texas's 1,200+ school districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: Restricting recapture may widen the funding gap between wealthy and poor districts, potentially violating the state constitution's requirement for an "efficient" public education system
  • State budget impact: Reduced recapture means less revenue available for the state to redistribute, requiring either increased state funding or reduced support for underfunded districts
  • Local control vs. equity: Wealthy districts want to keep local tax dollars; education advocates argue Texas has a constitutional duty to fund all districts adequately regardless of local property wealth

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.