Honorable Florence Shapiro, Chair, Senate Committee on Education
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB98 by Barrientos (Relating to the administration of certain state assessment instruments in Spanish to Spanish-speaking students of limited English proficiency who are in special education programs.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would create a new Spanish-language assessment under Texas Education Code 39.023 for certain students. Under current law, funding for test development and administration is paid from a set-aside from the compensatory education allotment. As a result, the bill would be cost neutral to the state. The Texas Education Agency would spend $4-10 million per year on this assessment instead of sending those funds to school districts as state aid.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Total state aid to school districts would be reduced by $4-$10 million.