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Bill

HB 4707

Relating to the admission to public schools of children unlawfully present in the United States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits of the available school fund and Foundation School Program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Daniel Alders and 12 co-sponsors

Bill would exclude undocumented children from Texas public schools and state education funding, contradicting federal law and likely triggering constitutional challenge.

Referred to Public Education
#aliens(i0032) #education--primary&secondary--admission&attendance(i0227) #education--primary&secondary--finance(i0250) #foundationschoolprogram(s0541)
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Bill Summary · HB 4707

Legislative bill overview

HB 4707 would restrict admission to Texas public schools for children who are unlawfully present in the United States and would exclude them from eligibility for state education funding through the Available School Fund and Foundation School Program. This represents a direct challenge to the 1982 Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe, which established a constitutional right to free K-12 public education regardless of immigration status.

Why is this important

Texas public schools currently serve approximately 150,000-200,000 students without lawful immigration status, funded through existing state formulas. If enacted, this bill could create significant budget impacts (potentially freeing up $2-4 billion annually in state funding), force school districts into legal liability, and likely trigger federal court intervention. The practical implementation would also create administrative burdens on schools to verify immigration status.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional conflict: The bill directly contradicts Plyler v. Doe, making it vulnerable to federal court challenge and likely injunction before implementation
  • Fiscal and operational complexity: Schools would need new systems to verify immigration status; funding mechanisms and treatment of mixed-status families remain undefined
  • Economic and workforce implications: Removing education access could increase long-term social costs; Texas business groups have historically opposed such restrictions due to workforce concerns

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

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