Texas Senate Bill SJR33

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using revenues, other money, or account or fund balances dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes or for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.

Impact

If passed, SJR33 would introduce new constraints on how the state manages its financial resources, particularly in relation to dedicated accounts and funds. Such a change would mean that the comptroller and the legislature would not be able to certify appropriations for nondedicated purposes using these dedicated funds unless such dedication is formally repealed. The bill's supporters argue that this measure would curb misuse of funds and protect specific allocations for their designated purposes, which may include educational funds, infrastructure projects, or public health initiatives.

Summary

SJR33 proposes a significant modification to the Texas Constitution aimed at enhancing the financial accountability of state funds. The core of the resolution seeks to prohibit the use of revenues and funds that have been specifically dedicated by law for any nondedicated governmental purposes. This means that once money is allocated for a specific purpose, it cannot be reallocated for other uses without an explicit legislative repeal of that dedication. This amendment intends to ensure that dedicated funds are strictly spent in alignment with their intended purposes, thereby increasing overall transparency in state financial practices.

Contention

However, SJR33 is not without its points of contention. Critics may argue that the rigid framework proposed could limit the state's flexibility in financial management, especially during times of fiscal distress or when emergent needs arise. The inability to redirect dedicated funds could hinder the state’s responsiveness to unexpected challenges or opportunities, creating barriers to effective governance. Moreover, the need for explicit legislative action to repeal fund dedications could introduce additional bureaucratic hurdles, complicating the appropriations process and potentially stalling critical projects or initiatives.

Voting_history

The resolution has been referred to the Finance Committee as of February 24, 2015, indicating that it is still in the stage of legislative evaluation. The outcome of discussions within the committee may significantly influence the resolution's future, and it will ultimately be voted on by the public, which will determine whether these financial controls will be enacted.