TX
Texas House Bill HB1609

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1609

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the limit on the rate of growth in appropriations and to the authority of the comptroller to reduce the state sales tax rate for designated periods.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1609 would amend existing state laws to explicitly prohibit discriminatory practices based on immigration status. This would extend protections and access to essential services, ensuring that undocumented individuals are not excluded from critical support systems. The legislation is expected to have a significant impact on communities with large immigrant populations, promoting more inclusive practices across various sectors including health care and public education.

Summary

House Bill 1609 focuses on providing equitable access to services for individuals regardless of their immigration status. The bill mandates that state agencies and organizations receiving state funds cannot discriminate against individuals based on their immigration status when providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. It aims to ensure that undocumented individuals receive the necessary support and resources to fully participate in society while promoting dignity and respect for all residents of the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1609 has generally leaned towards support from advocacy groups, legal aid organizations, and various community leaders who argue that the bill is a necessary step towards social justice and equality. Supporters contend that the bill addresses the pressing need for accessibility in public services and enhances the overall well-being of all community members, including those who are undocumented. However, there are concerns from some conservative factions and local leaders who view this as potential exploitation of state services, fearing it may encourage illegal immigration and place additional burdens on state resources.

Contention

Critics of HB 1609 express concern that the bill could inadvertently promote illegal immigration by providing safety nets that encourage individuals to remain in the country illegally. This point of contention has sparked debate about the ramifications on state funding and resource allocation, as well as the broader implications for community safety and public trust. The discussions have brought to light differing perspectives on immigration policy and the role of state resources in supporting undocumented individuals.

Companion Bills

TX HJR93

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the rate of growth of appropriations from all sources of revenue except the federal government and to authorize the legislature to appropriate money for tax rebates.

Previously Filed As

TX HB561

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB5

Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.

TX HB38

Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB4370

Relating to the abolishment of the State Energy Conservation Office and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller.

TX HJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, to establish the property tax relief to rental households fund and authorize the legislature to provide payments to rental households from that fund based on a proportion of rent paid, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief and property tax relief payments to rental households from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the governing body of certain appraisal entities.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Similar Bills

TX HB3639

Relating to the limit on the rate of growth in appropriations and to the authority of the comptroller to reduce the state sales and use tax rates for designated periods.

TX HB2981

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to limitations on the rate of growth of appropriations for certain categories of spending.

TX HJR70

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the maximum rate of growth of appropriations and the use of unencumbered surplus general revenues to fund the state's rainy day fund and a public school property tax relief fund.

TX HB783

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and the use of surplus state revenues.

TX SB101

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations of revenue.

TX HB380

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and the use of surplus state revenues.

TX HB3291

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and the use of surplus state revenues.