Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting the purposes for which revenue from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motor fuels and lubricants, and certain revenues received from the federal government may be used and authorizing the legislature to provide for automatic adjustments of the rates of motor fuels taxes.
Impact
This amendment, if enacted, will have far-reaching implications for state funding channels and budget allocations. Specifically, it will entrench specific funding priorities in the Texas Constitution, potentially limiting the flexibility of local and state officials to reallocate these resources in response to changing transportation and infrastructure needs. The requirement that one-fourth of the net revenue from the motor fuel tax be allocated to the Available School Fund underscores a commitment to intertwining road safety funding with educational resources.
Summary
HJR111 proposes a significant constitutional amendment aimed at restricting the use of revenue generated from motor vehicle registration fees, motor fuel taxes, and specific federal revenue. The fundamental purpose of the proposed amendment is to ensure that these funds are exclusively utilized for acquiring rights-of-way, constructing, maintaining, and policing public roadways, along with related administrative expenses governed by the Texas Legislature. This level of specificity marks a departure from previous practices where such funds could be used for a broader range of purposes.
Contention
The amendment authorizes the Texas Legislature to set criteria for automatic adjustments to motor fuel taxes, basing these adjustments on established price or cost indexes. While proponents argue that this provision helps stabilize funding sources and addresses inflation concerns, critics express worry about the potential for increased tax burdens on consumers without adequate oversight. The provision for automatic adjustments may lead to concerns about the lack of direct legislative review or voter input on tax changes, raising questions about fiscal accountability.
Implementation
HJR111 is poised to be presented to voters in an election scheduled for November 3, 2009. This electoral process is crucial, as it enables Texas residents to voice their opinion on the proposed constitutional changes before they are enacted. The proposed adjustments appear aimed not only at funding road infrastructure but also at establishing a more predictable and legislatively manageable funding mechanism that aligns with broader state policy goals.
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.
Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.
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.
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 authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.