Texas Senate Bill SJR26

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/28/11
• Introduced: 2/17/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/31/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 3/28/11
• Voted on by House: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 3/31/11
• Sent toSOS: 5/27/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11
• Enrolled: 5/24/11

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow cities or counties to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities or counties without the imposition of a tax or the provision of a sinking fund.

Impact

If enacted, SJR26 would adjust Section 5 and Section 7 of Article XI of the Texas Constitution. Cities with populations over 5,000 could potentially adopt or amend their charters more flexibly by entering into interlocal agreements without the burdens of financial obligations typically associated with such arrangements. This could lead to more cost-effective ventures among cities or counties with shared goals, tackling projects that may otherwise be hindered by financing challenges.

Summary

SJR26 proposes a constitutional amendment that would empower the Texas legislature to permit cities and counties to engage in interlocal contracts without the requirement of imposing a tax or creating a sinking fund. This amendment aims to streamline collaborations between local governments, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in project execution and resource management. By removing financial prerequisites associated with such contracts, the bill seeks to foster better relationships and cooperative agreements among local entities, ultimately benefiting public service delivery.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SJR26 may arise from concerns about financial oversight and accountability. Critics could argue that allowing local governments to bypass tax and sinking fund provisions might lead to misuse of funds or inadequate financial planning for interlocal projects. Supporters, however, may contend that the intent is to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that complicate collaborative efforts, promoting local governance autonomy and responsiveness to community needs.