Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the comptroller of public accounts to make a state revenue report after the first year of a state fiscal biennium and the governor to call a special session of the legislature if actual state revenue for that fiscal year was at least five percent more or five percent less than projected state revenue.
Impact
The proposed amendment is likely to have significant implications for how Texas manages its budget and fiscal policy. By instituting a requirement for the governor to call a special legislative session based on revenue reports, it enables a more flexible and responsive budgeting process. This could lead to more timely adjustments in appropriations and state-funded services, particularly in cases of unexpected economic downturns or windfalls. It could also standardize revenue assessment practices, enhancing accountability within state financial reporting.
Summary
HJR41 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at enhancing the state's budgetary oversight mechanisms. It mandates the comptroller of public accounts to produce a report on state revenues after the first year of each fiscal biennium. If the report indicates that actual revenues differ from projections by five percent or more, the governor is required to convene a special session of the legislature. This change seeks to create a structured response to significant revenue fluctuations, ensuring that the legislature can react swiftly to fiscal challenges or surpluses.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HJR41 appears largely positive among fiscal conservatives and those advocating for more stringent budget management practices. Supporters argue that this amendment provides necessary checks and balances, facilitating proactive fiscal governance. However, some critics may express concerns regarding the potential for political maneuvering during special sessions, where key fiscal decisions could be made under urgency, reducing thorough debate and scrutiny.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HJR41 may arise from differing views on fiscal policy and governance. Some stakeholders might contend that frequent special sessions could lead to legislative fatigue or inefficient governance, where vital decisions are rushed rather than thoroughly discussed. Others may question whether the five percent threshold is appropriate, suggesting it might either be too high or too low depending on economic conditions. Overall, the amendment raises discussions about the balance between proactive fiscal management and the risk of politicizing state budgeting processes.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
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.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.