Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2191

Filed

3/11/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.

Impact

One of the most notable effects of SB2191 is the overarching authority it grants the comptroller over the dedicated accounts and the public funds. By centralizing the management of these accounts, the bill intends to mitigate any potential misallocation of state funds and ensure compliance with fiscal policies. This change is expected to promote transparency and accountability regarding how state agencies handle collected revenues, thus reinforcing the financial structure within the state’s governance framework.

Summary

SB2191 aims to amend existing state financial regulations concerning the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, alongside the dedication and allocation of revenue collected by state agencies. Specifically, the bill outlines provisions for abolishing certain funds and accounts created or re-created by legislation from the 89th Legislature, with effectiveness set for September 1, 2025. Through these amendments, SB2191 seeks to streamline the funding processes within state governance and enhance the integrity of revenue allocation, ensuring that funds are appropriately managed and directed towards their intended purposes.

Contention

The bill's provision to abolish various funds and dedicated accounts may raise concerns among stakeholders who rely on those resources for specific programs. Critics could argue that this centralization risks diminishing local control and flexibility in funding decisions that cater to unique community needs. Some may view the provisions surrounding the allocation of interest and earnings on the general revenue fund as potentially restrictive, thereby hindering local jurisdictions from benefiting fully from accrued revenues. As such, there is likely to be debate around the implications of these changes on lower levels of government and the entities that receive state funding.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 403. Comptroller Of Public Accounts
- Section: 095

Transportation Code

Chapter 504. License Plates
- Section: 6012

Latest TX SB2191 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular SB2191

Companion Bills

TX HB4488

Identical Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3461

TX SB1508

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 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 HJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the dedication by general law of money received by this state and money held in or deposited to an account or fund inside or outside the state treasury and the authorized expenditure or appropriation of money dedicated by general law.

TX SB1335

Relating to dedicating certain state revenue to the purpose of retiring state debt.

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 HJR186

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the junior college endowment fund and dedicating the interest and other investment income from money in the fund to reduce the cost of tuition at public junior colleges in this state.

TX SJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment lowering the maximum allowable amount of money in the economic stabilization fund and dedicating certain general revenue to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.

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.