Relating to the availability and use of certain statutorily dedicated revenues and accounts.
Impact
The passage of SB936 would directly influence the Texas Government Code by amending how dedicated revenues are defined and applied within state financing frameworks. Specifically, it provides a guideline for the comptroller to manage and assess these dedicated accounts, potentially impacting the availability of funds for various state programs. This bill reflects a shift towards a more structured and defined process in managing public finances, which may lead to more prudent fiscal planning and use of resources across the state's budgetary landscape.
Summary
SB936 aims to modify the structure of how certain statutorily dedicated revenues can be utilized and accounted for in the state of Texas. The bill proposes specific measures to minimize the state's dependency on available dedicated revenues during the budget certification process. This includes the establishment of a review protocol by a designated board to analyze new dedicated revenue sources and their appropriations, as well as to provide recommendations to the legislature aimed at reducing reliance on these funds. By encouraging a more sustainable budgeting approach, the bill seeks to enhance fiscal responsibility within state governance.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB936 appears neutral to positive, with implications for better governance practices in Texas. Supporters of the bill view it as a necessary reform to enhance the accountability and efficiency of state financial management, arguing that it will lead to better resource allocation. However, some concerns may arise about the potential impacts on programs funded through dedicated revenues if the process of appropriation becomes overly restrictive.
Contention
Notably, points of contention surrounding SB936 may arise from discussions about the balance of control between state and local funding resources. Stakeholders may debate the extent to which state control over dedicated revenues should be enforced, especially if it limits the ability of local governments to access funds they deem necessary. As legislative priorities evolve, further scrutiny may be placed on how these changes affect state accountability versus local autonomy in financial decisions.
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 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 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 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.
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.