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
The proposed change to Article VIII of the Texas Constitution may have significant implications for state legislation related to taxation. Should this amendment be approved by voters, it would inherently change the dynamics of how tax policies are created and altered in Texas, favoring stability over responsiveness in fiscal matters. While this could lead to reduced tax increases and a conservative approach towards state tax policy, it may also hinder the legislature's ability to rapidly address financial shortfalls or take necessary fiscal actions in response to emergencies.
Summary
SJR12 is a Senate Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would require a two-thirds affirmative record vote of all members elected to each house of the Texas legislature for any bill that imposes a new state tax or increases an existing state tax rate. The resolution aims to enhance fiscal responsibility by making it more challenging to enact tax increases, thereby potentially limiting the state's ability to respond quickly to fiscal needs. This could lead to a more cautious approach towards taxation in Texas, encouraging lawmakers to consider the broader implications of tax policy changes before acting.
Contention
The bill is likely to spark debate among legislators and the public. Proponents argue that requiring a two-thirds majority for tax increases protects taxpayers and encourages transparency and accountability from elected officials. Conversely, critics may argue that such stringent requirements could limit the government's flexibility in addressing urgent fiscal needs, particularly in the context of sudden economic downturns or unforeseen expenses. The discussion surrounding SJR12 reflects broader themes in public policy regarding the balance between fiscal conservatism and the need for responsive governance.
Identical
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.
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.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring elections on proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution to be held in November of even-numbered years.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for exceptions to the requirement that a home equity loan be closed only at the office of the lender, an attorney at law, or a title company.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the secretary of state to be elected by the qualified voters at a general election instead of appointed by the governor.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.