Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR121

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment concerning the limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations.

Impact

The implications of this bill touch various aspects of state budgeting and fiscal policy. By tying growth in appropriations to population and inflation metrics, HJR121 aims to establish a more predictable and sustainable budget framework for Texas. This could have a significant impact on how future budgets are framed and could limit the flexibility of state legislators when responding to changing needs or emergencies. Notably, any appropriations made for tax rebates would be excluded from these calculations, which suggests a targeted approach in areas deemed necessary by the legislation.

Summary

HJR121 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the rate of growth in state appropriations. The proposed changes would amend Section 22 of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, stipulating that appropriations funded by state tax revenues cannot exceed the combined rate of population growth and inflation during the preceding biennium. This approach is designed to manage the state budget cautiously and ensure fiscal responsibility by aligning spending with demographic and economic indicators.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HJR121 revolve around concerns about the potential rigidity it could impose on budgetary processes. Critics may argue that this limitation could hinder the state's ability to address urgent funding needs during times of economic downturn or unforeseen crises. Supporters, on the other hand, may assert that such constraints are necessary to prevent over-expenditure and to enhance accountability in how taxpayer dollars are used. The amendment emphasizes the need for well-defined parameters in government spending, balancing fiscal prudence with the practical aspects of public budgeting.

Companion Bills

TX HB2981

Enabled by Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR2

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment concerning the limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an annual state budget and annual legislative sessions for budget purposes.

TX HJR164

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

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 HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, to establish the property tax relief to rental households fund and authorize the legislature to provide payments to rental households from that fund based on a proportion of rent paid, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief and property tax relief payments to rental households from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Similar Bills

NJ SCR23

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

NJ SCR70

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

LA HB487

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to deficit avoidance procedures (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX See Note)

LA HB435

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the budget process (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

LA HB546

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the budget process

NJ S2915

Makes FY 2022 supplemental appropriations of $71,786,000.

NJ A4403

Makes FY 2022 supplemental appropriations of $71,786,000.

LA HB530

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the budget process (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)