Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR66

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating the net revenue from any tax on the sale or use of cannabis or marijuana to public education.

Impact

The amendment would amend Article VIII of the Texas Constitution to ensure that net revenue, after administrative expenses and refunds, would be exclusively utilized for public education. This change could significantly increase funds available for schools if cannabis legalization proceeds, potentially resulting in enhanced resources for education and increasing opportunities for teachers and students alike. The amendment's passage could also signal a commitment from the state government to prioritize education funding while simultaneously regulating and taxing cannabis.

Summary

HJR66 proposes a constitutional amendment in Texas that aims to dedicate the net revenue generated from any tax imposed on the sale or use of cannabis or marijuana specifically to the support and maintenance of the public education system. This bill reflects a broader trend toward the legalization and regulation of cannabis at the state level, and it emphasizes the potential financial benefits of such legislation for public schools. By allocating tax revenues from cannabis sales to education, the bill seeks to address funding challenges faced by public schools in Texas and improve educational outcomes for students.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HJR66 may face contention in the legislature and among the public. Supporters of the amendment argue that dedicating cannabis tax revenues to education could provide a much-needed financial boost to schools, especially in light of increasing educational needs. Opponents, however, may raise concerns about the implications of legalizing cannabis, including public health issues, regulatory challenges, and societal impacts. Furthermore, discussions may revolve around whether it is appropriate to fund critical services like education through tax revenue from a product that remains controversial in societal discourse.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR185

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on sporting goods.

TX HJR169

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the dedication of certain sales and use tax revenue to a special fund established in the state treasury to pay for water infrastructure in this state.

TX HJR92

Proposing a constitutional amendment to dedicate net state lottery revenue to support educational programs that benefit classroom teaching in public schools and to prohibit advertisements and promotions that state or imply lottery ticket sales revenue will financially assist public schools.

TX HJR168

Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the rate of a state sales or use tax.

TX HJR205

Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the imposition of school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes on residence homesteads, to increase the rates of state sales and use taxes and dedicate the revenue attributable to that increase for public education, and to establish and prescribe the permissible uses of the homeowner protection fund.

TX SJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Connectivity Fund for the development of broadband and other telecommunications services in all areas of the state and authorizing the appropriation to that fund of a portion of revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services while not increasing the rate of the sales and use taxes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.