89R18371 KJE-D
 
  By: Phelan H.J.R. No. 217
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment conditioning the
  implementation of a school choice program on federal reimbursement
  of state expenses relating to securing the border.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article VII, Texas Constitution, is amended by
  adding Section 7 to read as follows:
         Sec. 7.  (a)  An education savings account program or a
  similar program through which a child may use state money for
  nonpublic primary or secondary education may not be implemented
  until the comptroller of public accounts certifies to the
  legislature that this state has received reimbursement from the
  federal government for the cost of securing the border for the
  period beginning September 1, 2015, to present, as determined by
  the comptroller.
         (b)  On certification under Subsection (a) of this section,
  the comptroller of public accounts shall establish the Texas
  education savings fund outside the state treasury and deposit to
  the credit of the fund 50 percent of the reimbursement received
  under Subsection (a) of this section.
         (c)  The Texas education savings fund consists of:
               (1)  money appropriated, transferred, or deposited to
  the credit of the fund; and
               (2)  any interest and other earnings attributable to
  the investment of money in the fund.
         (d)  Money in the Texas education savings fund may be used
  only for purposes of an education savings account program or a
  similar program through which a child may use state money for
  nonpublic primary or secondary education.
         (e)  Fifty percent of the reimbursement received under
  Subsection (a) of this section may be appropriated only for
  purposes of public education.
         SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
  submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2025.  
  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
  proposition:  "The constitutional amendment conditioning the
  implementation of a school choice program on federal reimbursement
  of state expenses relating to securing the border."