Texas House Bill HJR59

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/11/11
• Refer: 2/21/11

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain tax bills to be approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.

Impact

If passed, HJR59 would significantly impact the legislative process concerning state taxation, potentially making it more challenging for future tax amendments or new tax proposals to be enacted. By requiring a two-thirds vote, proposals that might otherwise pass with a simple majority would now need greater bipartisanship and cooperation among legislators. This could lead to a slower legislative process for tax-related bills and an overall reduction in the frequency of tax increases, forcing the state to rely more heavily on existing tax structures and possibly leading to funding challenges for state programs over time.

Summary

HJR59 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that mandates any bills imposing a new state tax or increasing the rate of an existing state tax to be approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Texas Legislature. This resolution seeks to modify Article VIII of the Texas Constitution by introducing Section 25, which delineates the voting requirements specifically for tax-related legislation. Such a change emphasizes a more stringent legislative approach to tax increases to ensure broader consensus among lawmakers before any tax adjustments are made.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR59 appears to align with a cautious approach to taxation, reflecting a desire for fiscal conservatism among its supporters. Advocates of the resolution argue that this increased requirement for legislative approval would prevent hasty tax increases and protect taxpayers from excessive fiscal measures. Conversely, opponents may view this bill as an impediment to necessary funding mechanisms, suggesting that it grants excessive power to a minority in the legislature and could undermine the state's ability to respond effectively to fiscal needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention concerning HJR59 include the implications of a two-thirds voting requirement on the legislative efficiency and the ability to adapt tax policies in dynamic economic conditions. Critics may assert that such a requirement could impede responses to urgent funding needs or emergencies, while proponents may assert that it serves as a safeguard against potential abuse of taxation powers. Additionally, there’s the discussion on how these changes could alter the balance of power and influence within the Texas Legislature, potentially favoring more conservative fiscal strategies.