Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HJR68

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Sent toSOS

Proposed Const. Amend.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain revenue derived from the tax imposed on the sale of motor vehicles to the state highway fund.

Impact

If approved, HJR68 would amend Article VIII of the Texas Constitution to solidify the funding flow from motor vehicle sales taxes directly into highway maintenance and improvement programs. This focused approach to funding is anticipated to foster better planning and allocation of resources within the transportation sector, which is increasingly vital given Texas's growing population and vehicle registrations. As the legislation would take effect on September 1, 2024, it highlights a strategic shift towards more dedicated funding methods for addressing the state’s infrastructure needs.

Summary

HJR68 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to dedicate certain revenues derived from the motor vehicle sales tax to the state highway fund. This amendment specifically mandates that the net revenue collected from the motor vehicle sales tax is to be allocated only for purposes authorized by the Texas Constitution or for repaying principal and interest on certain outstanding bonds. The legislation aims to ensure that funds from this specific tax are used to enhance and maintain Texas highways, streamlining financial support for infrastructural projects.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR68 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who prioritize infrastructure improvements in Texas. Proponents argue that dedicating vehicle sales tax revenue directly to highway funding will provide a consistent and predictable revenue source, aiding long-term planning and project execution. However, there may be concerns regarding potential impacts on other areas of state funding, particularly in education, where some of these revenues were previously allocated.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise regarding the reallocation of funds and the limitations imposed by HJR68 on utilizing motor vehicle sales tax revenues for other state needs. Critics might argue that such dedicated funding could lead to a significant reduction in flexible state funding, hampering the ability of lawmakers to address diverse financial demands across various sectors. The temporary provisions within the amendment indicate a transitional approach to implementing these changes, but could also raise questions about the adequacy of funding available for priorities not directly related to highway maintenance once the new framework is fully operational.

Latest TX HJR68 Activity

View All Events: TX 2013 - 83rd Regular HJR68

Companion Bills

TX SJR20

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain revenue derived from the tax imposed on the sale of motor vehicles to the state highway fund.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HJR185

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on sporting goods.

TX HJR204

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

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 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 SJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Connectivity Fund for the development of broadband and other telecommunications services in all areas of the state and authorizing the appropriation to that fund of a portion of revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services while not increasing the rate of the sales and use taxes.

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 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 HJR205

Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the imposition of school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes on residence homesteads, to increase the rates of state sales and use taxes and dedicate the revenue attributable to that increase for public education, and to establish and prescribe the permissible uses of the homeowner protection fund.