Texas House Bill HJR32

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain tax bills to be approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.

Impact

The proposed amendment, if passed, would significantly alter the legislative process for tax bills in Texas. It would prevent the passage of tax increases through simple majorities, enforcing a requirement that the legislative body must demonstrate substantial agreement. This could lead to greater scrutiny of tax proposals and potentially limit the state's ability to adjust tax rates swiftly in response to changing economic conditions or funding needs. Critics of the bill may argue that it introduces unnecessary hurdles to necessary fiscal measures.

Summary

HJR32 proposes a constitutional amendment that requires any bill imposing a new state tax or increasing the rate of an existing state tax to receive the approval of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the Texas Legislature. The intent of this bill is to establish a higher standard for tax legislation, thereby ensuring broader consensus on any changes to the state's tax structure. This amendment aims to empower the legislature and reduce the risk of sudden tax increases without sufficient legislative support.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR32 involve concerns about its potential impact on state governance and fiscal responsiveness. Proponents argue that requiring a two-thirds majority ensures that tax increases are carefully considered and broadly supported, protecting citizens from sudden tax hikes. However, opponents might view it as an impediment to effective governance, as it may slow down the legislative process and restrict necessary fiscal policy adjustments during times of economic need. There is also concern regarding how this could affect specific essential services funded by state taxes if legislative approval becomes more difficult.