Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain tax bills to be approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.
Impact
If passed, the proposed amendment would directly affect the process through which tax legislation is enacted in Texas. By necessitating a two-thirds majority vote, it would raise the bar for implementing new taxes or increasing existing tax rates, thereby potentially limiting the ability of the legislature to respond quickly to fiscal needs or emergencies. This could have broader implications for public funding, as lawmakers may face difficulties in raising necessary revenue without bipartisan support, which may be harder to achieve.
Summary
HJR83 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that requires a two-thirds majority approval from all elected members of both houses of the legislature for any bill that imposes a new state tax or increases existing state tax rates beyond the rates in effect at the time the bill is filed. This resolution aims to ensure greater legislative scrutiny and consensus on matters related to taxation, which could have significant implications for the state's fiscal policy moving forward.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HJR83 is mixed and reflects broader ideological divides on taxation and fiscal policy. Proponents of the measure argue that requiring a higher threshold for tax increases would protect taxpayers from excessive or arbitrary tax hikes, thus promoting fiscal responsibility and governmental restraint. Conversely, opponents contend that such an amendment could hinder the state’s ability to adequately fund essential services and respond to economic challenges, arguing that flexibility in tax legislation is crucial for effective governance.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns about the rigidities that a supermajority requirement may introduce into the legislative process. Critics fear that this could lead to a situation where necessary tax reforms are stalled or blocked by minority factions within the legislature, undermining the state's ability to manage its budget effectively. The debate over HJR83 taps into larger discussions about the balance of power in state governance and the best means to ensure taxpayer protection while also fulfilling essential public needs.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain tax bills to be approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring elections on proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution to be held in November of even-numbered years.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for exceptions to the requirement that a home equity loan be closed only at the office of the lender, an attorney at law, or a title company.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the secretary of state to be elected by the qualified voters at a general election instead of appointed by the governor.