81R14023 JJT-D
By: Turner of Harris H.J.R. No. 117
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the use of money
from the economic stabilization fund for response to a natural
disaster.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 49-g, Article III, Texas Constitution,
is amended by adding Subsection (p) to read as follows:
(p) Without the necessity of an appropriation, the governor
may spend money from the economic stabilization fund as provided by
this subsection when the governor determines it is necessary to pay
the costs of responding to a natural disaster. The governor may not
exercise the authority provided by this subsection more than once
during a state fiscal biennium. In a state fiscal biennium, the
governor may spend under the authority of this subsection not more
than $100 million for purposes of temporary and emergency housing,
with the money spent under an effort administered jointly by the
governor, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs or
its successor in function, and the governor's division of emergency
management or its successor in function. In a state fiscal
biennium, the governor may spend under this subsection not more
than an additional $150 million for the purposes for which a
disaster contingency fund created by statute may be spent, with the
money spent under an effort administered jointly by the governor
and the governor's division of emergency management or its
successor in function.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2009.
The ballot shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment relating to the use of
money from the economic stabilization fund for response to a
natural disaster."