Texas House Bill HJR1

Texas 2023 - 88th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 6/28/23
• Out of House Committee: 6/29/23

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Impact

If HJR1 is passed, it would alter the landscape of state funding for education, particularly in the realm of property tax relief for school districts. By allowing specific appropriations to bypass the growth cap, the resolution intends to facilitate greater financial support for public education at the local level. This could be particularly significant in addressing the funding disparities that often exist between districts, thereby helping to equalize educational resources across the state. Nonetheless, there may also be concerns regarding long-term budgetary implications as new exemptions could challenge fiscal discipline in state budgeting.

Summary

HJR1, a joint resolution proposed in the Texas Legislature, seeks to amend Section 22 of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution. The primary aim of this amendment is to exempt certain appropriations for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations. The resolution specifies that these appropriations, identified by the legislature through general law, will not count against the limits set by the constitution, thereby allowing for potentially increased funding for school districts without breaching the established caps on state expenditures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR1 appears divided among legislative members and interest groups. Proponents argue that this amendment is necessary for providing vital funding to school districts, particularly those in financially strained areas. They view the exemption as a crucial step towards ensuring that education funding keeps pace with inflation and the increasing costs of providing quality education. Conversely, critics may argue that these changes could lead to a slippery slope in which further exemptions are demanded, potentially undermining the constitutional limits on spending that were designed to promote fiscal responsibility.

Contention

One major point of contention surrounding HJR1 is the potential for this amendment to set a precedent for future legislative attempts to circumvent spending limits. Whereas supporters see it as a targeted approach to addressing education funding, detractors worry about the implications of loosening fiscal constraints established in the constitution. Additionally, the temporary provision that applies until September 1, 2025 raises questions about the longevity and sustainability of the exemption, as well as concerns about what would happen if the fiscal situation of the state changes drastically during that period. The upcoming election on November 7, 2023, will be significant in determining whether the public supports this proposed constitutional change.