Category: Legislature

Happy Clients Realty Group - Ali Palacios > Home Owners Solutions > Legislature

HB 402 – 2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 402 – 2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.

This bill, titled “AN ACT relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities,” aims to regulate the ownership of real property in Texas by foreign individuals or entities from countries deemed to pose a risk to U.S. national security. Here’s a summary of its key provisions:

Key Provisions:
1. Prohibition on Property Acquisition:
– The bill prohibits individuals or entities from “designated countries” (countries identified as national security risks by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence) from purchasing or acquiring title to certain types of real property in Texas.
– This includes:
– Agricultural land, mines, quarries, minerals, and standing timber.
– Entities headquartered in or controlled by governments or citizens of designated countries.
– Exceptions are made for:
– U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
– Real property intended for use as a **residence homestead**.
– Leasehold interests in land or improvements.

2. Enforcement by the Attorney General:
– The Texas Attorney General is authorized to enforce the law if there is a reasonable suspicion that a violation poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare.
– The Attorney General can bring legal action in district court and conduct discovery to investigate ownership or control of entities involved in violations.

3. Divestiture and Receivership:
– If a court finds that real property was acquired in violation of the law, it must:
– Divest the individual or entity of their interest in the property.
– Appoint a receiver to manage and control the property pending its sale or disposition.

4. Amendments to Existing Law:
– The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to allow courts to appoint receivers in cases involving violations of this law.
– It also amends the Property Code to clarify that aliens generally have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, except as restricted by this new subchapter.

5. Effective Date:
– The law applies to property purchases or acquisitions occurring **on or after September 1, 2025**.
– Purchases made before this date are governed by prior law.

Purpose:
The bill seeks to protect Texas real property, particularly agricultural land and resources, from being owned or controlled by foreign entities or individuals from countries identified as national security threats. It emphasizes state control over critical assets and ensures that such properties remain in the hands of entities aligned with U.S. interests.

Summary:
This legislation restricts foreign ownership of Texas real property by individuals or entities from designated countries, with enforcement mechanisms including divestiture and receivership. It balances property rights with national security concerns, while exempting U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and homestead properties. The law takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

 

 

HB 371 – 2025 – 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.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 371 – 2025 – 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.

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act 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,” amends the Texas Education Code to address the admission of children unlawfully present in the United States to public schools and their eligibility for state education funding. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. Admission to Public Schools (Section 25.001):
– Eligibility for Admission:
– Generally, only U.S. citizens, nationals, or aliens lawfully present in the United States are entitled to the benefits of the available school fund and admission to public schools.
– However, a new provision (Subsection (b-3) allows school districts to admit children who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present aliens if:
1. The U.S. government has entered into an agreement with Texas to pay the cost of educating the child.
2. The child is otherwise eligible for admission under existing criteria (e.g., residency requirements).

– Proof of Eligibility:
– School districts may require evidence of U.S. citizenship, nationality, or lawful presence for admission.
– Districts are authorized to make reasonable inquiries to verify eligibility.

– Agency Responsibilities (Subsection (k):
– The Texas Education Agency (TEA) must seek an agreement with the U.S. government to reimburse the cost of educating children admitted under Subsection (b-3).
– If such an agreement is reached, the TEA will:
1. Require school districts to report enrollment data for these students.
2. Submit reimbursement requests to the U.S. government.
3. Distribute reimbursed funds to school districts.

2. Foundation School Program Eligibility (Section 48.003):
– Children who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present aliens are not eligible for benefits under the Foundation School Program unless they are admitted under Section 25.001(b-3) (i.e., with a U.S. government reimbursement agreement in place).

3. Effective Date:
– Applies beginning with the **2026-2027 school year**.
– Takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

Impact of the Bill:
– Restricts Access to Public Education Funding:Children unlawfully present in the United States are no longer eligible for state education funding unless the U.S. government agrees to reimburse Texas for their education costs.
– Conditional Admission: School districts may admit unlawfully present children only if a federal reimbursement agreement is in place.
– Increased Verification Requirements: School districts are required to verify the immigration status of students and may deny admission to those who cannot prove lawful presence.
– Federal Reimbursement Mechanism: The bill shifts the financial burden of educating unlawfully present children to the federal government, contingent on an agreement being reached.

This bill reflects a broader effort to limit state resources for individuals unlawfully present in the United States while seeking federal support for their education costs. It aligns with ongoing debates about immigration and public benefits.

HB 243 – 2025 – Relating to the authority of the attorney general to acquire by eminent domain certain real property owned by aliens or foreign entities

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 243 – 2025 – Relating to the authority of the attorney general to acquire by eminent domain certain real property owned by aliens or foreign entities

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act relating to the authority of the attorney general to acquire by eminent domain certain real property owned by aliens or foreign entities,” amends the Texas Property Code to grant the Texas Attorney General the authority to use eminent domain to acquire real property owned by aliens, foreign businesses, or foreign governments if the property is being used in a manner that violates state or federal law or poses a risk to the state’s critical infrastructure. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. New Chapter 21A: Acquisition by Eminent Domain of Certain Foreign-Owned Real Property:
– Definitions (Section 21A.001):
– “Alien”: A citizen of a country other than the United States.
– “Critical infrastructure”: Includes 16 categories such as energy, transportation, communications, health care, water systems, and more.
– “Foreign”: Refers to entities created or organized under the laws of a country other than the United States.

– Applicability (Section 21A.002):
– Applies to real property in Texas owned by aliens, foreign businesses, foreign governments, or their agents, trustees, or fiduciaries.

– Eminent Domain Authority (Section 21A.003):
– Allows the Attorney General to file a court action to obtain an order authorizing eminent domain proceedings if:
1. The property is being used in violation of state or federal law.
2. The property’s use creates a risk to Texas’s critical infrastructure.
– The action must be filed in a district court in the county where the property is located.
– If the court finds the Attorney General’s claims valid, it must issue an order authorizing eminent domain proceedings.
– The Attorney General may then initiate eminent domain proceedings under Chapter 21, Property Code, with certain exemptions (e.g., Chapter 2206, Government Code, and Subchapter E, Chapter 21, Property Code, do not apply).

– State Management of Acquired Property (Section 21A.004):
– Real property acquired through eminent domain under this chapter will be owned by the State of Texas and managed by the General Land Office.

2. Rulemaking (Section 2):
– Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules for implementing Chapter 21A as soon as practicable after the bill’s effective date.

3. Effective Date (Section 3):
– The bill takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

Impact of the Bill:
– Enhanced State Authority: Grants the Texas Attorney General significant power to seize foreign-owned real property if it is deemed a threat to critical infrastructure or violates laws.
– Focus on National Security: Targets foreign ownership of property that could pose risks to essential systems like energy, transportation, and water.
– Streamlined Eminent Domain Process:** Exempts these proceedings from certain legal requirements, making it easier for the state to acquire property under these circumstances.
– State Ownership: Ensures that any acquired property is managed by the General Land Office, aligning with state interests.

This bill reflects growing concerns about foreign ownership of real property, particularly in sectors critical to national and state security. It aims to protect Texas’s infrastructure and enforce compliance with state and federal laws.

HB 232 – 2025 – Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 232 – 2025 – Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education,” amends the Texas Education Code to modify the criteria for determining residency for tuition purposes at public higher education institutions in Texas. The bill specifically targets the eligibility of individuals not authorized to be present in the United States, restricting their access to in-state tuition rates and resident status. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. Residency Eligibility Changes (Section 54.052):
– Removes the provision (previously Section 54.052(a)(3)) that allowed individuals to qualify for resident status if they:
– Graduated from a Texas high school or received an equivalent diploma in Texas.
– Maintained continuous residence in Texas for three years before graduation and the year preceding enrollment.
– Explicitly states that individuals **not authorized under federal statute to be present in the United States** cannot be considered residents of Texas for tuition purposes.
– Maintains residency eligibility for:
– Individuals who establish and maintain a domicile in Texas for at least one year before enrollment.
– Dependents whose parents meet the domicile requirements.

2. Documentation Requirements (Section 54.053):
– Requires individuals applying for resident status to submit:
– A statement of the dates and length of time they (or their parent, if a dependent) have resided in Texas.
– A statement affirming that their presence in Texas was for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a domicile.
– Removes the previous requirement for undocumented individuals to submit an affidavit stating their intent to apply for permanent residency.

3. Retroactive Reclassification (Section 3):
– Allows public institutions of higher education to reclassify as nonresidents students who were previously classified as residents under the now-removed high school provision or if they are not authorized to be present in the United States.

4. Effective Date (Section 4):
– The bill takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

Impact of the Bill:
– Restricts Access to In-State Tuition: Undocumented immigrants and individuals not authorized to be present in the United States will no longer qualify for resident status or in-state tuition rates, even if they meet other criteria like Texas high school graduation.
– Retroactive Reclassification: Institutions may reclassify previously approved students as nonresidents, potentially affecting their tuition rates and financial obligations.
– Focus on Legal Status: The bill aligns residency eligibility with federal immigration authorization, emphasizing legal presence in the United States as a requirement for in-state tuition benefits.

This bill represents a significant shift in Texas higher education policy, limiting access to affordable tuition for undocumented students and reinforcing stricter residency requirements.

HB 191 -2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain foreign entities

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 191 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain foreign entities

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain foreign entities,” amends the Texas Property Code to restrict the ability of certain foreign entities to purchase or acquire real property in Texas. The bill specifically targets entities associated with countries identified as posing a risk to U.S. national security. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. General Property Rights for Aliens (Section 5.005):
– Affirms that aliens (non-U.S. citizens) generally have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, except as provided under the new Subchapter H.

2. New Subchapter H: Restrictions on Real Property Acquisition by Certain Foreign Entities:
– Definitions (Section 5.251):
– Defines key terms, including:
– “Control”: Owning more than 50% of an organization’s voting interests.
– “Designated country”: A country identified by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence as posing a risk to U.S. national security in the three most recent Annual Threat Assessments.
– “Real property”: Includes land, improvements, minerals, standing timber, and certain estates or interests (excluding short-term leases and security interests like mortgages).

– Prohibition on Real Property Acquisition (Section 5.252):
– Prohibits the following entities from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in Texas:
1. Governmental entities of a designated country.
2. Organizations headquartered in a designated country or under the direct or indirect control of such a government.
3. Organizations controlled by entities described above.

– Enforcement by the Attorney General (Section 5.253):
– Allows the Texas Attorney General to bring legal action in district court if there is reason to believe a violation has occurred.
– Requires the Attorney General to record notice of the action in the county where the property is located.
– If a violation is found, the court must appoint a receiver to manage, control, and sell the property.
– Clarifies that a violation does not void the purchase or acquisition, nor does it affect the validity or enforceability of related contracts or conveyances.

3. Rulemaking (Section 3):
– Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules for implementing Subchapter H as soon as practicable after the bill’s effective date.

4. Applicability (Section 4):
– Applies only to real property purchases or acquisitions occurring on or after September 1, 2025.
– Transactions before this date are governed by prior law.

5. Effective Date (Section 5):
– The bill takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

—

Impact of the Bill:
– National Security Focus: The bill targets entities from countries deemed a risk to U.S. national security, preventing them from acquiring real property in Texas.
– Enforcement Mechanism: Establishes a clear process for the Attorney General to investigate and address violations, including the appointment of a receiver to manage and sell prohibited acquisitions.
– Limited Retroactivity: Does not affect real property transactions completed before the effective date, ensuring legal certainty for past transactions.

This bill reflects growing concerns about foreign influence and national security, particularly regarding real estate acquisitions by entities tied to adversarial nations. It aims to safeguard Texas’s real property market while aligning with broader U.S. national security priorities.

HB 160 – 2025 – Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 160 – 2025 – Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.

This bill, introduced by Representative Leo Wilson, amends the Texas Education Code to modify the criteria for determining resident status and tuition rates for students enrolling in public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill specifically targets the eligibility of individuals not authorized to be present in the United States, restricting their access to in-state tuition rates and resident status. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. Residency Eligibility Changes (Section 54.052):
– Removes the provision (previously Section 54.052(a)(3)) that allowed individuals to qualify for resident status if they:
– Graduated from a Texas high school or received an equivalent diploma in Texas.
– Maintained continuous residence in Texas for three years before graduation and the year preceding enrollment.
– Explicitly states that individuals **not authorized under federal statute to be present in the United States** cannot be considered residents of Texas for tuition purposes.
– Maintains residency eligibility for:
– Individuals who establish and maintain a domicile in Texas for at least one year before enrollment.
– Dependents whose parents meet the domicile requirements.

2. Documentation Requirements (Section 54.053):
– Requires individuals applying for resident status to submit:
– A statement of the dates and length of time they (or their parent, if a dependent) have resided in Texas.
– A statement affirming that their presence in Texas was for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a domicile.
– Removes the previous requirement for undocumented individuals to submit an affidavit stating their intent to apply for permanent residency.

3. Reclassification of Residency (Section 54.055):
– Mandates that institutions of higher education **must** reclassify students as residents or nonresidents if additional or changed information reveals an error in their initial classification.

4. Enforcement and Penalties (Section 54.056):
– Requires institutions to charge nonresident tuition to individuals erroneously classified as residents, starting from the term after the error is discovered.
– Mandates institutions to notify campus police or local law enforcement if they discover that a student is not authorized to be present in the United States.
– Prohibits institutions from requiring payment of back tuition as a condition for future enrollment.

5. Liability for Erroneous Classification (Section 54.057):
– Holds individuals liable for the difference between resident and nonresident tuition if they:
– Fail to provide relevant information.
– Provide false information.
– Are not authorized to be present in the United States.
– Requires payment within 30 days of notification and withholds diplomas or transcripts until the amount is paid.

6. Nonresident Tuition Rates (Section 54.0601):
– Allows certain institutions near state borders to set lower nonresident tuition rates.
– Excludes individuals not authorized to be present in the United States from eligibility for these rates.

7. Retroactive Reclassification (Section 7):
– Permits institutions to reclassify students as nonresidents if they were previously classified as residents under the now-removed high school provision or if they are not authorized to be present in the United States.

8. Effective Date:
– Applies to tuition charged beginning with the **2025 fall semester**.
– Takes effect immediately if passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses; otherwise, it takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

—

 **Impact of the Bill:**
– Restricts Access to In-State Tuition: Undocumented immigrants and individuals not authorized to be present in the United States will no longer qualify for resident status or in-state tuition rates, even if they meet other criteria like Texas high school graduation.
– Increases Scrutiny of Residency Status:** Institutions are required to actively verify and reclassify residency status, with penalties for errors or misrepresentations.
– Enforcement Measures:** Institutions must report unauthorized individuals to law enforcement, creating potential barriers to education for undocumented students.

This bill represents a significant shift in Texas higher education policy, limiting access to affordable tuition for undocumented students and reinforcing stricter residency requirements.

HB 2392 – 2025 – A New Proposal for Paying Property Taxes in Installments

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

Understanding H.B. No. 2392: A New Proposal for Paying Property Taxes in Installments

If you’ve ever felt the financial strain of paying your property taxes in one lump sum, there’s some good news on the horizon. H.B. No. 2392, a bill introduced in the Texas Legislature, aims to make it easier for homeowners to pay their ad valorem taxes—those property taxes based on the value of your home—by allowing payments in installments.

What Does HB 2392 Propose?

Currently, property taxes on your residence homestead are typically due in a single payment by January 31st of the following year. For many Texans, especially those on fixed incomes or facing other financial hardships, this can create a serious financial burden. H.B. No. 2392 proposes to change that by allowing homeowners to split their payments into multiple installments over the course of the year.

Key Details of the Bill

  1. Installment Payments: Homeowners could choose to pay their ad valorem taxes in up to four equal installments, reducing the immediate financial burden that comes with paying the full amount in one go.
  2. Eligibility: The bill is designed primarily for residence homesteads, so it targets homeowners who live in the property as their primary residence, not rental properties or commercial buildings.
  3. Flexibility and Relief: By spreading payments over a longer period, this bill could provide some much-needed relief to those struggling with the “lump-sum” nature of property taxes.
  4. Late Fees and Interest: While this bill offers an installment option, it’s important to note that late fees and interest charges may still apply if payments are missed or delayed. Homeowners will need to stay on top of their installments to avoid additional charges.

Why It Matters

This bill has the potential to ease the financial stress that many homeowners face each year when taxes are due. By giving homeowners the option to pay in installments, H.B. No. 2392 offers greater flexibility and could help prevent financial hardship and even tax delinquencies.

If you’re a Texas homeowner, keep an eye on this bill as it progresses through the legislative process. It’s one step toward making homeownership more affordable and manageable for many families in the state.

If you want to learn more about the details of H.B. No. 2392 or how it might affect you, reach out to your local representative or track the bill’s progress through the Texas Legislature’s website.

SB 2 – 2025 – Texas School Voucher Bill: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

Texas voters won’t directly decide on the proposed school voucher program—it’s up to the Texas Legislature. After already passing in the Senate, the bill is now headed to the House of Representatives for a vote. But here’s the truth: the Texas House has consistently been the roadblock for vouchers in past sessions, and now it’s up to them once again.

This issue is not new, and neither is the debate. It’s a recurring issue in Texas politics, and it has the potential to change the way we fund and support our public education system. Whether you support or oppose this bill, your voice matters. The Texas House is the final hurdle. You can make your voice heard by reaching out to your state Representative and Senator. Find your reps here: wrm.capitol.texas.gov/h…. Act soon because it’s already on the calendar.

You can get a copy of the bill here: capitol.texas.gov/tlodo…

Allow me to give you some general info:

What is SB 2? SB 2, also known as the Education Savings Account or school voucher program, has one central promise: giving parents more control over their children’s education. It claims to empower families to make the best choice for their child, allowing them to use state funds for private schools, charter schools, or even homeschooling. But how does this really impact our public school system?

Key Provisions: What’s in the Bill?

  1. Vouchers for Private or Alternative Schools The bill sets up a system where children can use vouchers to attend private or alternative schools. While the funds for this program are managed by the state, it’s crucial to note that public school funding would be impacted when students use vouchers. Public schools typically receive funds based on enrollment, so when a student leaves for a private school, that funding follows them. Public schools lose out financially.
  2. Managing the Program The Texas Comptroller will manage the funds for this voucher program, with a mix of state revenue, legislative appropriations, and private donations. However, this raises a concern: Will private donations start to shape how public funds are distributed?
  3. Eligibility and Application Process The program will prioritize children from low-income households or with disabilities. The application process will be handled through certified organizations approved by the state. If demand exceeds funding, a lottery system will determine who gets a voucher. This could be an issue for families who are not selected, despite meeting eligibility requirements.
  4. Voucher Amounts The bill provides varying voucher amounts based on the child’s needs. For example, private school tuition could be subsidized with up to $2,000 for homeschooling, $10,000 for private school and $11,500 for students with disabilities. While this might seem generous, it won’t cover the full cost of private school tuition, especially in urban areas where private school tuition can rage from $30,000 to $50,000 or more.
  5. Approved Expenses Voucher funds can be used for tuition, books, tutoring, and educational therapies. However, to pay family members for educational services, ensuring the money is spent directly on educational purposes.
  6. Religious Schools: A Potential Conflict While the bill does not directly mention religious schools, it could open the door to funding religious institutions. Most of out private schools are religious schools. For some, this could be a violation of the separation of church and state, especially if private religious schools start receiving public funding. Religious freedom and the future of secular education could become major points of contention.

Who’s Pushing for This Bill?

Big-money donors are a driving force behind the push for vouchers in Texas. Jeff Yass contributed a total of amount $19,000,000 to Abbott and Patrick. Yass is a businessman from Philadelphia that is a big proponent of freedom to choose when it comes to schools.

You also can’t speak of school vouchers without talking about the Christian Conservative movement. Dan and Farris Wilks are west Texas Billionaire known for their evangelistic beliefs. The Wilks along with Timothy and Terri Dunn have directly or indirectly through a PAC have contributed almost $12,000,000 the Texas legislature.

Please note: Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks have contributed $2 million to a new organization called Texans United for a Conservative Majority, which has begun targeting Texas House Republicans. It’s important to remember that the House is the main body blocking the school voucher program. This group is a spin-off of Defend Texas Liberty, a political action committee that faced scrutiny in October when The Texas Tribune reported that its former president, Jonathan Stickland, hosted the controversial white supremacist and Hitler admirer, Nick Fuentes, for nearly seven hours.

The Pros and Cons of the bill

Pros

  1. Parental Choice: The voucher program is framed as a way for parents to select the best educational option for their child, whether it’s a private school, charter school, or even homeschooling.
  2. Support for Students with Disabilities: The program includes extra financial assistance for families of students with disabilities, providing more tailored educational opportunities.
  3. Homeschooling Benefits: Families that choose to homeschool their children could receive financial support for educational materials, assessments, and tutoring.

Cons

  1. Private School Tuition Gap: In Texas’ major metro areas, private school tuition ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. While vouchers provide financial assistance, they won’t cover the full cost. This program primarily benefits families who can already afford private school tuition, not those who need it most.
  2. Limited Rural Access: Vouchers won’t help students in rural areas, where 90% of counties have no private schools. These communities stand to lose funding for their public schools as students leave, further weakening rural education.
  3. Private Schools’ Selectivity: Unlike public schools, private schools are selective and can reject students based on academic performance, disabilities, or even behavioral history. Vouchers do not guarantee that every student will find a suitable private school.
  4. Homeschooling Subsidy: The voucher system could end up benefiting homeschooling families more than public school students, further diverting funds from public education.
  5. Public Funds to Private and Religious Schools: Some argue that directing taxpayer dollars to private and religious schools undermines the public education system and may blur the lines between church and state.

Who Really Benefits?

  1. Wealthy Families: Wealthier families who can already afford private school tuition will receive a taxpayer-funded discount, making private schools more affordable.
  2. Private and Religious Schools: Voucher funds will likely expand the reach of private and religious schools, allowing them to tap into public money.
  3. Homeschooling Families: Homeschooling families will receive financial assistance for educational resources, even though they’ve already opted out of public education.

The Bottom Line

While school vouchers might sound good on paper, they offer limited benefits to a select group of families. The vast majority of Texas students will remain in public schools, which will be financially weakened as funds are diverted to private institutions. Public schools serve all children, but private schools can be selective, meaning that not every student will benefit equally from this program.

Before this bill moves forward, it’s important that every Texan considers who truly benefits—and who loses. Is it worth risking our public schools for a system that disproportionately helps wealthier families, private schools, and homeschoolers? Or should we focus on strengthening and funding the public education system for all Texas children?

Let Your Voice Be Heard Whatever your stance on school vouchers, one thing is clear: Texas voters need to make their voices heard. Contact your Representative and Senator to share your opinion on this bill and ensure that your voice is part of the conversation. After all, this bill is about the future of Texas’ children, and that’s a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.

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