Texas State Representative Mihaela Plesa (D-Dallas) has introduced five legislative proposals aimed at enhancing and safeguarding the public education system.

According to Plesa, who represents Texas House District 70, transparency, funding optimization, and financial relief are the primary objectives of her proposed bills. "I will *always* fight to defend our public schools and defeat voucher scams," she said in a Tweet dated November 12.

The proposed legislation includes House Bill 195 (HB 195), which seeks to provide transparency in taxation. HB 289 aims to prevent public school districts from being required to make additional recapture payments when their per-pupil funding falls below that of the current academic year. HB 337 is designed to ensure that all recapture payments made to the state remain within the basic allotment under the Foundation Schools Program. HB 390 proposes an increase in the minimum yield, allowing school districts to retain more local taxpayer investment without losing funds due to recapture. Lastly, HB 445 offers a 4% discount on attendance credit payments for school districts that submit an agreement to pay by early September of the following year.

The upcoming Texas legislative session, known as the 89th session, is scheduled to commence on January 14, 2025, and will continue until June 2, 2025.