Relating to the amounts, availability, and use of certain statutorily dedicated revenue and accounts; reducing or affecting the amounts or rates of certain statutorily dedicated fees and assessments.
Impact
This bill is expected to have significant implications on state funding for programs that depend heavily on the dedicated accounts mentioned. Particularly, education initiatives that receive financial support from specific funds may experience changes in their funding sources, as the bill allows for the potential redirection of revenue from one account to another. Stakeholders in educational sectors and social welfare may need to adapt quickly to ensure continuity of their programs and services, depending on how the bill is implemented.
Summary
Senate Bill 1276 addresses the management of certain statutorily dedicated revenue and accounts in the State of Texas. The bill seeks to amend various sections of the Business & Commerce Code, Education Code, and Government Code to clarify the allocation and use of funds generated from specific fees and assessments. Key provisions will adjust how revenues are deposited, potentially redirecting funds to the general revenue fund. Additionally, the bill outlines procedural changes for state agencies regarding financial management and reporting duties related to dedicated accounts.
Contention
Notably, there are concerns surrounding the bill's impact on local government revenues and the autonomy of local agencies in managing dedicated funds. Opponents argue that reducing or reallocating statutorily dedicated fees could undermine local control, leading to deficits in funding for crucial local programs. Proponents, however, advocate that streamlining revenue management will enhance state financial oversight and efficiency, ultimately benefitting the broader fiscal health of the state.
Identical
Relating to certain fiscal matters affecting governmental entities; reducing or affecting the amounts or rates of certain taxes, assessments, surcharges, and fees.
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.
Relating to the amount of the fee imposed on certain sexually oriented businesses that is allocated to the sexual assault program fund and the allocation of certain other revenue to that fund; increasing the amount of a fee.
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.
Relating to the recognition of gold and silver specie as legal tender and the establishment of a transactional currency based on gold and silver; authorizing a fee.
Relating to agreements between certain sheriffs and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law and a grant program to cover the costs of implementing those agreements.
Relating to the establishment of the Family Educational Relief Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.