TX
Texas House Bill HJR37

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HJR37

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
5/5/09  
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to dedicate net revenue from the state lottery to certain public school purposes.

Impact

The approval of HJR37 would amend Section 47 of Article III of the Texas Constitution. This amendment stipulates that lottery revenues will be allocated exclusively for educational purposes, including teacher compensation and the acquisition of textbooks and educational supplies. Importantly, the amount dedicated from the lottery must correspondingly reduce the general revenue funds that would typically be allocated for these educational purposes, effectively reallocating state funding without increasing overall expenditure.

Summary

HJR37 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at dedicating net revenue generated from the state lottery specifically to support public school purposes. The bill outlines that this lottery revenue will offset other state revenue utilized for educational funding, thereby ensuring that schools receive a consistent and dedicated source of financial support. This measure is intended to enhance the educational programs in public primary and secondary schools across Texas.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding HJR37 relate to concerns about the implications of relying on lottery revenue for educational funding. Critics may argue that linking educational support to lottery income could lead to an unstable and unpredictable funding source, as lottery revenues can fluctuate significantly from year to year. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate about the ethical considerations of funding public education through gambling proceeds, which may be viewed as a regressive tax on lower-income populations who play the lottery.

Voting_history

As of the latest records, there is no detailed voting history associated with HJR37. The resolution is set to be submitted to voters during an election scheduled for November 3, 2009, where it will be gauged for public approval.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR92

Proposing a constitutional amendment to dedicate net state lottery revenue to support educational programs that benefit classroom teaching in public schools and to prohibit advertisements and promotions that state or imply lottery ticket sales revenue will financially assist public schools.

TX HJR169

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.

TX HJR1

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.

TX HJR77

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.

TX SJR37

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.

TX HJR170

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide financial support for projects that enhance the safety of public schools in this state.

TX SJR69

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.

TX SJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment lowering the maximum allowable amount of money in the economic stabilization fund and dedicating certain general revenue to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.

TX HJR102

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.

TX HJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an annual state budget and annual legislative sessions for budget purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.