Texas House Bill HJR106

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the dedication by general law of revenue of or money received by this state and money held in or deposited to an account or fund inside or outside the state treasury and the authorized expenditure or appropriation of revenue or money dedicated by general law.

Impact

If enacted, this amendment will have significant implications for how state money is appropriated and spent. The legislature would gain the ability to designate revenue for particular purposes, ensuring that funds are utilized strictly for intended projects or needs. This could lead to more targeted and effective funding strategies, particularly for public services that rely on state revenue. However, it is crucial to note that the amendment explicitly prohibits appropriating money allocated under this constitutional dedication for any other purpose without a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative houses.

Summary

HJR106 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, specifically introducing Section 25, which provides the legislature the authority to dedicate revenue or money received by the state to specific purposes. This bill aims to allow the allocation of state funds from various sources, including those deposited in accounts or funds both inside and outside the state treasury. The focus on dedicated funding is expected to streamline fiscal management and enhance accountability regarding the use of state revenue.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HJR106 may revolve around concerns over legislative power and fiscal transparency. Advocates of the bill argue that it promotes better financial management and accountability in state spending, while opponents may fear that it centralizes power within the legislature, potentially limiting local governments' flexibility in managing funds according to community needs. Additionally, the requirement of a two-thirds majority for any amendments could be viewed as both a safeguard and a potential obstacle to necessary changes in funding allocation.