Texas Senate Bill SB1588

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/11/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11
• Voted on by House: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 5/11/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/11/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/29/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.

Impact

By enacting SB1588, the Texas Legislature intends to streamline the financial management of state agencies. The measure outlines that any funds or accounts previously established or modified by legislation following the 82nd Legislative session will be abolished unless explicitly stated otherwise. This reform is expected to create a more organized fiscal environment, enabling the state to handle its revenues more efficiently and adhere to statutory requirements concerning funds. Additionally, by ensuring that unappropriated funds are safeguarded from general governmental use, the bill helps maintain fiscal integrity and accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 1588 focuses on the management of state funds and accounts within Texas's governmental structure. The bill aims to establish protocols concerning the creation and re-creation of funds, along with the dedication and rededication of different revenues. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that unappropriated money is exempt from being used for general governmental purposes. This aspect of the bill is crucial for maintaining specific fund allocations intended for defined state purposes and preventing unplanned diversions of financial resources.

Contention

Resistance to SB1588 may emerge from concerns about the potential overreach of state financial control over local subdivisions. Critics might argue that the measure limits the capability of independent funds to operate flexibly, possibly constricting responsive actions to local financial needs or emergencies. The balance between maintaining dedicated funds and giving local governments the autonomy to manage their own financial resources remains a contentious issue among legislatures, advocates for government transparency, and local governance supporters.