The Chronicle describes the bill:
"I believe this proposal is a Texas solution that will save lives without sacrificing our freedoms," said state Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, who together with Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, and Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Humble, are creators of the measure.
The three say they still are drafting the bill, but offered a few details at a news conference.
As envisioned by the lawmakers, school boards would manage the special districts and the funds raised. Each district would have to hold public hearings and craft a plan with an exact price tag before putting it up to a vote.
For districts where the sales tax already is set at the maximum 8.25 percent, a property tax hike could be considered. If the property tax maximum already has been reached, then a constitutional amendment may be required to give school districts authority to fund this measure.
All three lawmakers stressed that the state is not forcing school districts to do anything. It would be an option to collect additional funds for security only.
Here's more from the Fort Worth Star Telegram and the Dallas Morning News.
Some are pointing out that legislators seem to be resistant about new taxes, unless it involves guns. There's a cultural issue here we can pursue if we wish. Its worth pointing out that the law does not impose a state tax, but allows local districts to adopt the tax if they choose. That seems to follow a recent trend in tax policy - as well as spending policy - in the state over the past few years. Send the decision down to the local level.
