Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using revenues, other money, or account or fund balances dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes and to limit using that money or those balances for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.
Impact
If enacted, SJR26 would significantly alter state financial management by ensuring dedicated revenue sources remain earmarked for their intended purposes. This constitutional change would limit the legislature's ability to repurpose designated funds for nondedicated uses without going through a formal repeal process. Such a commitment to the integrity of dedicated funds is expected to stabilize funding sources for specific programs, maintaining their availability for their original intent and benefitting associated entities.
Summary
SJR26 proposes a constitutional amendment that aims to restrict the use of dedicated funds and revenues within the state of Texas. Specifically, it intends to prohibit the allocation of revenues, other funds, or balances that are dedicated by law for general governmental purposes. The bill reinforces the notion that the Comptroller of Public Accounts must not consider dedicated funds when certifying appropriations for other purposes or entities unless the dedication is expressly repealed by the legislature.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SJR26 appears to be generally supportive among those favoring fiscal conservatism and sustainable budgeting practices. Proponents argue that this amendment will reinforce accountability in state funding, ensuring that money is used solely for its intended purposes. However, the potential challenges arise from critics who worry it may limit financial flexibility in times of budgetary constraints, as it could restrict the legislature’s capacity to respond to emergent funding needs by reallocating existing resources.
Contention
Noteworthy points of contention stem from concerns about the adverse effects on legislative oversight and budgetary adaptability. Critics fear the rigid structures could impede effective governance, particularly in unforeseen financial circumstances where a more flexible approach is necessary to manage state resources. The debate suggests a divide between those prioritizing strict adherence to fund designations and those advocating for a dynamic financial management strategy that responds to the state's changing needs.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using revenues, other money, or account or fund balances dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes and to limit using that money or those balances for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.