TX
Texas House Bill HB815

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB815

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the state highway fund.

Impact

The implications of HB 815 are significant, as it aims to provide a stable source of income for the state highway fund by mandating the allocation of these certain tax revenues. Should the bill pass, it would effectively ensure that funds derived from vehicle-related taxes contribute directly to the maintenance and expansion of the state’s highways and infrastructure. This change may help address ongoing concerns about the adequacy of transportation funding in Texas, which has faced rapid growth in population and vehicular traffic, leading to increased wear on road systems.

Summary

House Bill 815 proposes amendments to the Texas Tax Code regarding the allocation of certain tax proceeds specifically for the state highway fund. Notably, the bill stipulates that proceeds collected from taxes on the sale and use of motor vehicle tires and parts are to be directed to this fund. Additionally, it outlines the comptroller's responsibilities for determining these amounts based on statistical data related to sales and consumption patterns. The objective of this legislation is to enhance funding for highway infrastructure projects and improve the state's transportation system more broadly.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 815 appears to be positive, particularly among legislative advocates of improved infrastructure funding. Proponents see it as a necessary move to ensure that essential funds are available for road repairs, safety measures, and enhancements needed for efficient transportation. However, there could be concerns among citizens about the increase in taxes related to vehicle sales and usages, which may affect economic conditions for residents.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the reliance on specific taxes for funding, as opponents may argue that such measures disproportionately affect consumers and businesses in transportation-related sectors. Additionally, while increasing funds for highways can be justified, some stakeholders might raise issues about the sustainability of such funding practices, questioning whether they might lead to greater state dependency on fluctuating tax revenues from the motor vehicle market.

Companion Bills

TX HJR75

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment prescribing the purposes for which revenue from motor vehicle registration fees, certain motor vehicle-related taxes, and certain revenues received from the federal government may be used.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5215

Relating to the use of certain money transferred to and deposited in the state highway fund as required by the Texas Constitution.

TX HB4885

Relating to programs established and funded under the Texas emissions reduction plan.

TX HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

TX HJR204

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for transit-oriented projects.

TX HB2207

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, the property tax relief fund, and the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.

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 HJR144

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.

TX HB3998

Relating to the use of certain revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to provide grants to incentivize the recycling of certain electronics.

TX SCR2

Extending the duty of the comptroller of public accounts under Section 7-c, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to deposit certain tax revenue to the state highway fund.

TX SB748

Relating to the provision of state aid to certain local governments to offset the cost of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.