Texas House Bill HJR113

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting the purposes for which revenue from taxes on motor fuels and lubricants may be used.

Impact

Should HJR113 be enacted, the declared allocation of revenue would be set at three-quarters of the net revenue for constructing and maintaining public highways, while one-quarter would be directed towards the Available School Fund. This kind of funding structure aims to ensure that substantial resources are available for highway infrastructure, potentially enhancing road safety and transportation efficiency within Texas. Critics of such amendments, however, often raise concerns about funding stability for educational initiatives if a significant portion of the available revenue is earmarked for other purposes.

Summary

HJR113 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that aims to limit the purposes for which revenue collected from taxes on motor fuels and lubricants can be utilized. The resolution seeks to specify that the net revenue, following the payment of refunds and collection expenses, shall primarily be used for acquiring rights-of-way, constructing, maintaining, and policing public roadways. The intent of the bill is to provide greater clarity and focused allocation of these funds to transportation-related projects.

Contention

The proceedings and discussions surrounding HJR113 indicate some degree of contention regarding its implications for both transportation funding and education. Opponents may argue that while prioritizing highway construction is essential, it could lead to the diversion of resources away from education and other critical areas that could benefit from these tax revenues. The potential for automatic adjustments to fuel tax rates proposed in the amendment is another point of discussion, as various stakeholders will have differing opinions on how such adjustments should be managed.