Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB892

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

Impact

The introduction of HB892 aims to create a more structured approach to the state budget process, facilitating a clearer timeline for budgetary discussions and decision-making. By separating the budget session from regular legislative sessions, the bill seeks to eliminate potential distractions from other legislative business. The statutory change also emphasizes the growth rate of state tax revenues and aligns it with the growth of the state's economy to curtail unnecessary expenditure growth.

Summary

House Bill 892 focuses on amending state law regarding the timing of regular legislative sessions and the structure of the annual state budget. The bill stipulates that in even-numbered years, the legislature will convene for a budget session on the third Tuesday in April, following the regular session's schedule in odd-numbered years. This change is intended to streamline the budgeting process, allowing lawmakers more dedicated time to discuss and finalize the state's financial plan for the upcoming year.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding HB892 is the proposed restrictions on political contributions during the budgeting sessions. The bill prohibits political contributions to statewide officeholders and legislators during specified periods surrounding both regular and budget sessions. Critics argue that this could limit fundraising abilities for legislators who depend on these contributions to support their campaigns, while proponents assert that it enhances transparency and reduces potential conflicts of interest during budget discussions.

Companion Bills

TX HJR53

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

Previously Filed As

TX HB561

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HJR33

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

TX HR2293

Honoring the Legislative Budget Board for its work during the 88th Legislative Session.

TX HB1519

Relating to the making and acceptance of political contributions during a special legislative session; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB710

Relating to the making and acceptance of political contributions during a special legislative session; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3927

Relating to reports by the Legislative Budget Board regarding the General Appropriations Act and other fiscal actions taken by the legislature and each general appropriations bill proposed by the legislature.

TX SB1616

Relating to reports by the Legislative Budget Board regarding the General Appropriations Act and other fiscal actions taken by the legislature and each general appropriations bill proposed by the legislature.

TX HB3258

Relating to a report by the Legislative Budget Board on the reliance by this state on certain dedicated revenue for purposes of budget certification.

TX SB1735

Relating to a report by the Legislative Budget Board on the reliance by this state on certain dedicated revenue for purposes of budget certification.

TX HR2298

Commending the staff of the Legislative Reference Library for their work during the 88th Legislative Session.

Similar Bills

TX HB561

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB68

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB641

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX SB309

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB3297

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB162

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB136

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB542

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.