Proposing a constitutional amendment prescribing the purposes for which revenue from motor vehicle registration fees and taxes on motor fuels and lubricants and certain revenues received from the federal government may be used.
Impact
The proposal is anticipated to have a notable impact on state laws by formally earmarking funds from motor fuels taxes and registration fees. By enforcing limitations on the usage of these revenues, SJR9 aims to prevent potential misallocation of funds towards unrelated governmental expenditures. This amendment would amend Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, thereby establishing a clearer fiscal responsibility regarding the management of transportation funds in Texas.
Summary
SJR9 is a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit the purposes for which revenue generated from taxes on motor fuels and lubricants can be utilized. The bill stipulates that these tax revenues shall primarily be allocated for the construction and maintenance of public roads, with a significant portion also directed to the Available School Fund. This structured allocation aims to ensure that funds collected from motor vehicle transactions are reinvested into essential infrastructure and education, promoting overall state development.
Contention
Discussions surrounding SJR9 may bring to light concerns over the rigidity introduced in the allocation of tax revenue, as some lawmakers could argue that unexpected circumstances might necessitate reallocating these funds to urgent state needs outside of transportation and education. This perceived limitation could generate debate regarding the flexibility of fiscal policy and the appropriate responses to emerging financial challenges.
Last_actions
The latest recorded action on SJR9 occurred on May 22, 2009, when it was placed on the Constitutional Amendments Calendar in the House. This suggests ongoing legislative interest and potential momentum, although the discussions and votes surrounding its approval would be essential to monitor for any future developments regarding the amendment's passage.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on sporting goods.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Connectivity Fund for the development of broadband and other telecommunications services in all areas of the state and authorizing the appropriation to that fund of a portion of revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services while not increasing the rate of the sales and use taxes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.