Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR91

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 passed, HJR91 would amend Article VIII of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 7-c. This would create a dedicated stream of funding, enhancing financial resources available for road infrastructure projects. The allocation to the state highway fund is intended to improve highway maintenance and development, directly impacting the quality of transportation infrastructure in Texas, thus benefiting residents through better roads and potentially boosting economic activity due to improved transport logistics.

Summary

HJR91 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to designate specific revenue from the tax imposed on the sale of motor vehicles to be allocated exclusively to the state highway fund. This resolution stipulates that all net revenue exceeding $2.5 billion from this tax will be deposited into the highway fund and can only be used for purposes related to the construction, maintenance, or acquisition of rights-of-way for public roadways that are not toll roads, as well as repaying obligations on general bonds pertaining to infrastructure.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HJR91, primarily involving how the proposed allocation of funds may impact local and statewide budgeting priorities. Critics might argue that dedicating these funds could limit the legislature's flexibility in addressing other pressing needs, such as education or health care, by reducing the general revenue available for broader funding allocations. Furthermore, debates likely arise over the implications of tying tax revenues specifically to highway funding versus allowing those funds to be used for other state needs.

Last_action

The resolution was last referred to the Transportation committee on March 24, 2015, indicating that it remains under legislative consideration with potential further discussions and adjustments before any possible vote.

Latest TX HJR91 Activity

View All Events: TX 2015 - 84th Regular HJR91

Companion Bills

TX SJR5

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating a portion of the revenue derived from the state sales and use tax and the tax imposed on the sale, use, or rental of a motor vehicle 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 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 HJR204

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

TX SCR2

Extending the duty of the comptroller of public accounts under Section 7-c, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to deposit certain tax revenue to the state highway fund.

TX HCR47

Extending the duty of the comptroller of public accounts under Section 7-c, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to deposit certain tax revenue to the state highway fund.

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.

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 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.