Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the issuance of certain debt and the use of certain revenue for toll roads.
Impact
The proposed amendment would significantly alter state laws concerning transportation funding and the fiscal autonomy of relevant state agencies. By restricting certain revenue streams and debt issuance, HJR65 aims to reallocate funds exclusively toward non-toll road infrastructure. This change is expected to funnel resources away from toll roads and potentially redirect them towards maintaining and improving public highways, thereby opening discussions on the future of road management in Texas. Given the implications for state financing, this amendment may stimulate varied responses from different stakeholders, including legislators, state officials, and the public that utilizes these roadways.
Summary
HJR65 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at prohibiting the issuance of certain types of debt and the use of specific revenues for toll roads in Texas. This resolution seeks to amend sections of the Texas Constitution, specifically Article III and Article VIII, to clearly delineate the restrictions placed on financing methodologies employed by the Texas Transportation Commission and its successor for highway improvement projects, excluding toll roads. The essence of this amendment is to prioritize funding public roadways while aligning financial practices within state laws to better serve non-toll road projects.
Contention
During discussions surrounding HJR65, there were notable points of contention as stakeholders weighed the benefits and drawbacks of such legislative changes. Supporters advocate for stricter controls on toll road funding, arguing that it promotes greater accountability and ensures that taxpayer money is utilized efficiently for public roadways. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on existing toll road financing mechanisms, arguing that restricting revenue could hinder the state's ability to invest adequately in transportation infrastructure, potentially resulting in increased congestion and decreased roadway safety. The debate highlights the challenging balance between maintaining public roadway funding and enabling flexibility in transportation finance.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges.
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.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas land and water conservation fund to assist in preserving critical natural resources in this state.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.