Texas House Bill HJR57

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative for the sole purpose of adopting and imposing a state income tax.

Impact

If enacted, HJR57 could significantly affect the governance of taxation in Texas by allowing citizens to circumvent the traditional legislative process when it comes to income tax measures. The proposed amendment ensures that income tax measures would need to gather a certain percentage of signatures from registered voters both statewide and across congressional districts. This increased voter involvement in tax decision-making is poised to change the power dynamics within state governance, allowing individuals to have a direct say in tax policies.

Summary

HJR57 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that seeks to reserve to the people the power of initiative specifically for the purpose of adopting and imposing a state income tax. The bill amends the Texas Constitution, specifying that citizens can propose measures pertaining to income taxation through a petition process. It sets forth requirements for signature collection and establishes a procedural framework whereby measures must be submitted to the attorney general, who will review their constitutionality before forwarding them to the secretary of state for further processing. This initiative aims to empower Texas voters to take direct action on tax policies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR57 appears to be mixed. Proponents of the amendment argue that it enhances democracy by giving citizens more control over significant economic issues that affect them directly. They believe it is a necessary step toward ensuring fairness and accountability in taxation. Conversely, opponents express concern that allowing an initiative process for adopting a state income tax may lead to instability or misuse, as it could encourage hastily considered tax measures based on fluctuating public opinion rather than sound fiscal policy.

Contention

One point of contention regarding HJR57 involves the implications of instituting a state income tax under a more democratized process. Critics argue that the initiation of a state income tax through voter referendum risks undermining the fiscal stability of Texas, which has historically relied on alternative tax structures. Additionally, the specification that an initiative petition must garner significant support in both statewide and district contexts raises questions about the feasibility and practicality of mobilizing such a diverse electorate. This tension between direct democracy and responsible governance is likely to be a focal point in discussions surrounding the bill.