Texas House Bill HJR111

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

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.