Texas House Bill HB1650

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to making supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction, including direction regarding reimbursement, and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state funding allocations by implementing both reductions and supplemental appropriations. For instance, it reduces the budget for the Public Finance Authority by over $35 million and the Facilities Commission's appropriations for lease payments by nearly $17.6 million. Additionally, the bill provides substantial funding towards Medicaid services, emphasizing the need to address underfunding in critical areas, particularly health and human services, which have been exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Summary

House Bill 1650 addresses the need for supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations across various state agencies in Texas. This bill focuses on budgeting adjustments in response to fiscal needs identified during the 85th Legislature and the ongoing fiscal biennium ending August 31, 2019. Key elements of the bill include measures to mitigate financial shortfalls and establish clear directions regarding the handling of these appropriations, especially in the wake of natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline fiscal management and address urgent funding needs, it is likely to ignite discussions among legislators regarding the overall budget priorities and the implications of reducing appropriations for certain state programs. Some legislators may argue that the funding cuts could hinder essential services or infrastructure improvements. The bill may face scrutiny over how these adjustments balance the needs of various state functions and the commitment to disaster recovery efforts, particularly regarding funds previously diverted for Hurricane Harvey response.