82R352 JJT-D
By: Hancock H.J.R. No. 58
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment concerning the limitation on
the rate of growth of state appropriations.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 22, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 22. (a) In no biennium shall the rate of growth of
appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by this
constitution exceed a rate equal to the sum of the estimated rates
[rate of growth] of:
(1) increase or decrease in the state's population
during the biennium preceding the state fiscal biennium for which
the appropriations are made; and
(2) monetary inflation or deflation in this state
during the state fiscal biennium preceding the biennium for which
the appropriations are made [economy].
(b) If the sum of the estimated rate of increase or decrease
of the state's population and the estimated rate of monetary
inflation or deflation in this state during that preceding state
fiscal biennium results in a negative number, the appropriations
from state tax revenues not dedicated by this constitution may not
exceed the amount determined by multiplying that negative number
and the estimated amount of appropriations from state tax revenues
not dedicated by this constitution for that preceding biennium.
(c) The legislature shall provide by general law procedures
to implement Subsections (a) and (b) of this section [subsection].
(d) [(b)] If the legislature by adoption of a resolution
approved by a record vote of a majority of the members of each house
finds that an emergency exists and identifies the nature of the
emergency, the legislature may provide for appropriations in excess
of the amount authorized by Subsections [Subsection] (a) and (b) of
this section. The excess authorized under this subsection may not
exceed the amount specified in the resolution.
(e) [(c)] In no case shall appropriations exceed revenues
as provided in Article III, Section 49a, of this constitution.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter, amend, or
repeal Article III, Section 49a, of this constitution.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2012.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment regarding the
limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations."