Texas House Bill HJR73

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to restrict the power of the legislature to mandate requirements on a municipality or county.

Impact

The implications of HJR73 are significant, as it would amend Article III of the Texas Constitution to enhance the financial autonomy of local governments. By obligating the state legislature to provide funding for mandated activities, it would potentially relieve municipalities and counties from the financial strain associated with state mandates, making it easier for them to budget and manage resources. This change could foster a more equitable distribution of financial responsibilities between state and local governments, allowing local authorities to prioritize their own needs without being overburdened by state requirements.

Summary

HJR73 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the legislative power to impose unfunded mandates on municipalities and counties in Texas. Specifically, it seeks to ensure that any law enacted by the legislature that requires local governments to carry out activities involving expenditure of revenue must include financial provisions for the required costs. This amendment would mean that if the state mandates additional duties on local entities, they must be funded by sources other than the revenue of those municipalities or counties.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR73 appears to be largely supportive among legislators concerned about local governance and the implications of unfunded mandates. The resolution, which was adopted with a vote of 127 to 18, reflects a strong bipartisan acknowledgment of the need for legislative responsibility regarding the fiscal impacts on local governments. However, there may also be concerns from some legislators who believe that the bill could limit the state's ability to respond to pressing needs at the local level, emphasizing a delicate balance that needs to be maintained between state and local powers.

Contention

Notable points of contention exist surrounding the proposed amendment, particularly concerning the extent to which state oversight should be curtailed. Critics of unfunded mandates argue that they can strain local resources and lead to inadequate service provision. However, there are also concerns that this constitutional amendment may hinder the state's ability to implement necessary programs at the local level due to financing constraints. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between ensuring local autonomy and maintaining effective state governance.