Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR13

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 temporarily dedicating a portion of the revenue derived from the state sales and use tax to the state highway fund.

Impact

The impact of HJR13 on state laws centers around the financial structure of transportation funding in Texas. Temporarily dedicating these sales tax revenues to the highway fund could provide a significant influx of capital aimed at improving infrastructure. The passage of this resolution suggests a shift in funding priorities, directing state tax revenues explicitly towards transportation needs, thus potentially alleviating previous funding constraints and enhancing road safety and connectivity across the state.

Summary

HJR13 proposes a constitutional amendment to temporarily dedicate a portion of revenue derived from the state sales and use tax to the state highway fund. Specifically, it mandates the comptroller of public accounts to deposit $3 billion annually from the state sales tax revenues to fund construction and maintenance of public roadways. This allocation aims to bolster state transportation financing, ensuring adequate resources for essential infrastructure projects beyond just toll roads, which is a notable aspect of the measure.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HJR13 appears to be supportive, reflecting widespread recognition of the urgent need for infrastructure improvements due to a growing population and increasing vehicle traffic. Stakeholders such as local governments and transportation advocates likely see the measure as a proactive step toward ensuring sustainable funding for highways and roadways. However, concerns may also be raised regarding the temporary nature of the dedication, as infrastructure projects often require long-term commitment rather than transient solutions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the limits of the temporary dedication. Critics could argue that while the amendment provides immediate funding, it could also lead to budgetary constraints in other public sectors reliant on sales tax revenues. Additionally, the expiration of the provision in 2026 raises questions about the future funding landscape for transportation after the dedication period ends, potentially leading to a reliance on alternate funding sources that might not be as stable or adequate.

Latest TX HJR13 Activity

View All Events: TX 2015 - 84th Regular HJR13

Companion Bills

TX SJR5

Similar 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 HJR204

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

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 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 SJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Connectivity Fund for the development of broadband and other telecommunications services in all areas of the state and authorizing the appropriation to that fund of a portion of revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services while not increasing the rate of the sales and use taxes.

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 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.

TX HJR77

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year 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.