Texas House Bill HB275

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/22/11
• Introduced: 2/28/11
• Voted on by House: 4/1/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 3/15/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/16/11
• Engrossed: 4/1/11
• Governor Action: 6/1/11
• Refer: 4/4/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/1/11

Caption

Relating to making an appropriation of money from the economic stabilization fund for expenditure during the current state fiscal biennium.

Impact

If enacted, this appropriation would allow the state to use funds that are otherwise set aside within the economic stabilization fund, which is designed to provide financial support during economic downturns. By transferring a significant amount of this fund to the general revenue fund, the bill facilitates continued funding for various state programs and services. This could be vital in maintaining welfare, education, and infrastructure initiatives that rely heavily on state funding.

Summary

House Bill 275 proposes to appropriate a total of $3,117,661,120 from the economic stabilization fund to the comptroller of public accounts. This amount is intended for deposit into the general revenue fund, making it available for expenditures authorized in the state fiscal year ending August 31, 2011. The bill emphasizes the importance of utilizing existing funds to meet state financial obligations, ensuring that necessary services and programs can continue to operate without interruption.

Contention

The bill's passage is contingent upon a three-fifths vote from the members present in each house of the legislature and must also be certified by the comptroller of public accounts. This requirement reflects the proposed action's seriousness and highlights that it is not a straightforward appropriation but rather one that could face scrutiny and debate within the legislature. Discussions surrounding the use of economic stabilization funds can often evoke differing viewpoints on fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of state expenditures.