Texas Senate Bill SJR22

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the purposes for which revenues from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motor fuels and lubricants, and certain revenues received from the federal government may be used.

Impact

If passed, SJR22 would amend existing provisions in the Texas Constitution, specifically Article VIII Sections 7-a and 7-b. This would limit legislative discretion in reallocating these funds for purposes other than those directly associated with roadway development and maintenance. Supporters of the bill argue that it will safeguard road funding from being diverted to other state initiatives, thereby ensuring that revenue from these specific taxes is used where it is needed most—on the roads that citizens use daily.

Summary

SJR22 proposes a constitutional amendment that aims to limit the purposes for which certain state revenues can be used. Specifically, it focuses on revenues generated from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motor fuels and lubricants, and some federal revenue contributions. The bill seeks to ensure that these funds are earmarked solely for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of public roadways and related services such as traffic supervision. This restriction is intended to provide a clearer direction for state budget allocations related to transportation infrastructure.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SJR22 include potential opposition from various stakeholder groups who may rely on shared state revenues for different public programs. Critics may argue that restricting these funds could undermine local and state initiatives by limiting flexibility in budgetary decision-making. Additionally, there are concerns about the implications of a rigid funding structure on future infrastructure projects, especially in times of budget shortfalls or unanticipated economic challenges.