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SB 285

Relating to the misuse of money received for an open-enrollment charter school to support an out-of-state school.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Roland Gutierrez and 2 co-sponsors

Texas bill prohibits charter schools from redirecting state education funds to out-of-state school operations, establishing accountability for public money designated for in-state students.

Referred to Education K-16
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Bill Summary · SB 285

Legislative bill overview

SB 285 addresses the misappropriation of public funds designated for open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. The bill establishes penalties and restrictions on the redirection of state education money intended for in-state charter operations toward out-of-state school operations or entities.

Why is this important

Charter schools receive substantial public funding based on student enrollment and state education formulas. Diverting these funds to out-of-state operations would drain resources from Texas students and undermine the fiscal accountability expected in public education. This bill protects the integrity of the charter school funding model and ensures taxpayer money serves its intended beneficiaries.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill may lack precise definitions of what constitutes "misuse" or "out-of-state school support," potentially creating ambiguity in enforcement
  • Charter school autonomy: Charter operators may argue the restrictions infringe on operational flexibility or legitimate interstate partnerships in education
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear whether enforcement involves campus-level audits, state oversight, or legal penalties—raising questions about administrative burden and cost

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

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