Texas Senate Bill SJR10

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

If this amendment is enacted, it would directly affect how state laws interact with local governance, requiring the legislature to be mindful of the financial implications of its mandates. Local entities would be better positioned to manage their resources without the fear of being compelled to assume additional financial obligations without state support. The amendment could encourage more cooperative fiscal planning between state and local governments, potentially leading to enhanced local autonomy in decision-making processes.

Summary

SJR10 proposes a constitutional amendment that seeks to restrict the Texas Legislature's ability to impose unfunded requirements on municipalities and counties. The bill states that any law passed by the legislature on or after January 1, 2020, which mandates a municipality or county to implement new duties or activities requiring financial expenditure, will only take effect if the legislature provides the necessary funds from sources other than local revenues. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden often placed on local governments when mandated by the state to undertake specific actions without accompanying funding.

Contention

There are points of contention regarding SJR10, particularly concerning the balance of power between state and local governments. Supporters of the amendment argue that it protects local entities from unfunded mandates that could impede their financial stability and operational efficacy. However, opponents may argue that such restrictions could hinder the state's ability to implement necessary statewide initiatives, particularly in areas requiring immediate action or uniformity, such as public health or safety regulations. The bill could spark debate over whether local governments should have greater control over their operations at the risk of reduced state oversight.