SB 260 would increase the School Safety Allotment under the Foundation School Program (FSP), raising the per-student allotment from $10 to $28 and the per-campus funding from $15,000 to $30,000. This policy change is expected to increase state expenditures by approximately $500.1 million over the 2026-2027 biennium. The fiscal impact would continue in subsequent years, with estimated costs of $249.8 million in 2026, $250.3 million in 2027, and gradually decreasing to $210.8 million by 2030.

The bill does not appropriate funds directly but would create the legal basis for future appropriations. A portion of the cost comes from reduced recapture payments, with an estimated $31.2 million decrease in 2026, peaking at $45.2 million in 2029, which affects the state’s general revenue balance. While local education agencies (LEAs) benefit from increased funding, the state must allocate additional resources to support these provisions.

This bill represents a significant investment in school safety, ensuring districts have more resources for security measures, personnel, and emergency preparedness. However, it also requires long-term budget planning to accommodate the recurring costs associated with the increased allotment.

SB 260 strengthens Texas's commitment to school safety by substantially increasing the School Safety Allotment under the Foundation School Program. By raising per-student funding from $10 to $28 and per-campus funding from $15,000 to $30,000, the bill ensures that public schools have greater financial resources to enhance security infrastructure, hire personnel, and improve emergency preparedness. This increase reflects a recognition of the growing need for safety improvements in schools and builds on previous legislative efforts to address security concerns. The bill provides schools with the flexibility to allocate these funds according to their specific needs, empowering local districts to determine the best use of resources without imposing additional regulatory burdens.

The bill supports individual liberty by ensuring that students and educators can pursue education in a secure environment, free from unnecessary restrictions or government overreach. By allowing school districts to determine how to use the funds effectively, it also promotes personal responsibility and local control, reinforcing the idea that those closest to the situation are best equipped to make decisions. While the measure does increase state spending, it does so within the existing funding framework without creating new taxes or imposing additional mandates. This approach strikes a balance between ensuring adequate resources for safety while respecting the principle of limited government. Additionally, by allowing schools to contract with private security providers or invest in security technology, the bill encourages free-market solutions to public safety concerns.

From a fiscal perspective, the bill carries an estimated cost of $500.1 million over the 2026-27 biennium, with continued expenditures in subsequent years. While this represents a significant investment, it is a targeted effort aimed at addressing a critical issue that affects students, teachers, and communities statewide. The bill does not directly appropriate funds but establishes a legal framework for future appropriations, ensuring that funding decisions remain within the purview of the legislature. Given the bipartisan support for school safety measures and the bill’s focus on providing necessary resources while preserving local autonomy, SB 260 is a well-calibrated policy solution. For these reasons, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 260 as a responsible and measured approach to improving school security across Texas.