BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4236
89R23297 PRL-F	By: Martinez Fischer et al. (Bettencourt)
	Education K-16
	5/21/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 4236 amends current law relating to the creation of a task force to evaluate the school district property value study conducted by the comptroller of public accounts.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. (a) Defines "comptroller," "study," "task force," and "taxing unit."

(b) Provides that the school district property value study task force (task force) is established to examine the use and effect of the school district property value study conducted by the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas (study) and develop recommendations on the elimination or replacement of the study and alternative methods by which the purpose of the study is authorized to be accomplished.

(c) Provides that the task force is composed of nine certain appointed members.

(d) Requires the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives to each make the appointments required by Subsection (c) of this section not later than November 1, 2025.

(e) Provides that a task force member is not entitled to compensation for service on the task force but is authorized to be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing task force duties. Authorizes the task force to accept gifts, grants, and donations to pay for those expenses.

(f) Requires the task force to designate a presiding officer and a secretary from among its members.

(g) Requires the task force to meet at least quarterly at the call of the presiding officer.

(h) Authorizes the task force, notwithstanding Chapter 551 (Open Meetings), Government Code, or any other law, to meet by telephone conference call, videoconference, or other similar telecommunication method. Provides that a meeting held by telephone conference call, videoconference, or other similar telecommunication method is subject to the requirements of certain provisions of the Government Code.

(i) Requires the task force to evaluate certain matters.

(j) Authorizes the task force to request relevant information from the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas, Texas Education Agency, appraisal districts, and taxing units, and the entity receiving the request is required to comply with the request.

(k) Requires the task force to develop recommendations for the most appropriate methods by which to address issues identified with the continued use of the study, which may include the elimination or replacement of the study.

(l) Requires the task force, not later than November 1, 2026, to prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each other member of the legislature a written report on the use of the study and recommendations developed by the task force.

(m) Provides that the task force is abolished and this Act expires June 1, 2027.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.