Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR10

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced federal budget.

Impact

If passed, SJR10 would significantly alter the financial governance of the federal government by enforcing strict budgetary constraints. This initiative reflects a growing sentiment among several states that advocate for constitutional amendments to curb perceived fiscal irresponsibility at the federal level. The proposed amendment would not only affect federal budgeting processes but could also lead to broader economic implications, including impacts on federal funding for state programs that rely on federal appropriations.

Summary

SJR10, proposed by the Texas Legislature, seeks to amend the U.S. Constitution to establish a requirement for a balanced federal budget. The resolution expresses concern over the lack of restrictions on federal deficit spending, invoking Article V of the Constitution, which allows state legislatures to request a convention for proposing constitutional amendments. By calling for a convention, SJR10 aims to implement a financial discipline that could limit federal appropriations to not exceed estimated federal revenues, except during times of war or national emergencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR10 appears to lean towards a desire for greater fiscal conservatism and responsibility within the federal government. This resolution is likely to garner support from those who prioritize balanced budgets as a means to control government spending and avoid ballooning national debt. However, there may also be significant opposition from those who believe such restrictions could hinder the government's ability to respond adequately to economic crises or invest in public goods, suggesting a divide between fiscal accountability and flexible governance.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SJR10 is the potential implications a balanced budget requirement might have during times of economic downturn. Critics argue that enforcing a balanced budget could prevent the federal government from engaging in necessary deficit spending aimed at stimulating economic recovery. Additionally, there are concerns about the unintended consequences of a convention itself, such as the possibility of broader amendments being proposed that could fundamentally alter the structure of the Constitution.

Companion Bills

TX HJR60

Identical Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced federal budget.

Previously Filed As

TX HCR20

Urging the U.S. Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HCR5

Urging the U.S. Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HJR35

Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

TX SJR36

Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

TX HCR7

Urging the U.S. Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX SJR52

Extending the deadline for the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

TX HJR200

Ratifying a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the number of representatives in the United States House of Representatives.

TX HCR22

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX SCR17

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX SJR25

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

Similar Bills

WV HB3332

Creating judicial circuits and assigning the number of circuit judges in each circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

WV HB3330

Creating family court circuits and assigning the number of family court judges in each family court circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

WV HB3329

Creating judicial circuits and assigning the number of circuit judges in each circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

NJ SCR72

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ SCR73

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ SCR96

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR83

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

CA ACA13

Voting thresholds.