Texas Supreme Court to Hear Public School Finance Case

The Texas Supreme Court has agreed to hear the state's sweeping school finance case -- and set a timetable that ensures there won't be a decision until after the legislative session ends.

An Austin-based district judge has declared the way the state pays for public schools unconstitutional. The attorney general's office is appealing.

In an advisory Friday, the state's highest civil appeals court gave Texas 80 days to file briefs, then attorneys for the 600-plus school districts suing the state 80 days for their own briefs.

Both sides then have 40 days for replies.

That means a ruling won't come for more than six months. The legislative session ends June 1.

If the Supreme Court eventually upholds the previous rulings, Gov. Greg Abbott may have to call a special session.