Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR161

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to constitutionally dedicate certain revenue directed to the state highway fund for the purposes of acquiring, constructing, and maintaining public roadways.

Impact

If enacted, HJR161 would amend Article VIII of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 7-e, which enhances the financial framework available for roadway projects. By ensuring that these designated revenues cannot be redirected to other uses, the amendment aims to provide a stable financial resource that can directly contribute to building and maintaining essential infrastructure. This could potentially expedite necessary improvements in Texas’s road systems, benefiting citizens and industries reliant on efficient transportation routes.

Summary

HJR161 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at constitutionally dedicating specific revenue streams to the state highway fund. The bill, borne from the legislative intention to improve infrastructure, focuses particularly on revenue collected from fees associated with permits for oversize or overweight vehicles. This dedicated funding is earmarked solely for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of public roadways, thereby strengthening the state's commitment to improving its transportation network.

Contention

While the resolution seeks to address urgent infrastructure needs, it may also become a subject of debate among legislators and constituents. Proponents argue that dedicating funds in this manner ensures accountability and prevents misallocation of necessary resources, contributing to better infrastructure quality. Conversely, critics may question whether this rigid dedication of funding is suitable given the state's varying needs for financial flexibility in addressing other pressing issues. Such concerns could lead to discussion on the balance between dedicated funding and overall fiscal management.

Notable_points

Another notable point is the resolution's provision for voter approval, as it is set to be submitted to the electorate on November 2, 2021. This aspect reflects a democratic approach to significant constitutional changes, allowing citizens to weigh in on the prioritization of transportation funding. The outcomes of this vote may influence future amendments and funding strategies across various state projects.

Companion Bills

TX SJR59

Same As Proposing a constitutional amendment to constitutionally dedicate certain revenue directed to the state highway fund for the purposes of acquiring, constructing, and maintaining public roadways.

TX HB4508

Enabled by Relating to the dedication to the state highway fund of certain permit fee revenue attributable to oversize or overweight vehicles.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR77

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.

TX SJR37

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.

TX HJR144

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges.

TX HJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HJR204

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for transit-oriented projects.

TX HJR203

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas legacy fund and the Texas legacy distribution fund, dedicating the Texas legacy distribution fund to certain state infrastructure projects or the reduction of certain long-term obligations, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the state highway fund.

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 HJR111

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, and the property tax relief fund.

TX SJR81

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.