Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HJR49

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the maximum amount of appropriations for a state fiscal biennium.

Impact

The implications of HJR49 on state laws could be significant as it seeks to enforce stricter budgetary constraints. Under the proposed legislation, appropriations will be limited to a growth pattern that aligns with economic indicators, which may affect funding for various state programs and services. By capping the amount of taxpayer money the state can spend, this bill aims to promote fiscal responsibility and sustainability in the state's budget process. This could lead to a reassessment of current funding priorities and possibly impact essential services that depend on state funding.

Summary

HJR49 proposes a constitutional amendment addressing the maximum allowable appropriations from the state treasury for a fiscal biennium. The key change is the establishment of a maximum rate of growth for appropriations, which would be determined by the lesser of the estimated rate of growth of the state's population and monetary inflation, or the growth rate of personal income among state residents. This amendment aims to create a more structured and predictable fiscal framework for state budgeting, ensuring that spending does not outpace economic growth.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR49 appears to be mixed, with supporters arguing that it is a necessary step to ensure prudent financial management in state government. Proponents believe that the constitutional cap on appropriations will help prevent excessive spending, thereby fostering economic stability. Conversely, critics express concerns that such limits may hinder the state’s ability to respond to urgent needs and may lead to underfunding in crucial areas like education, public health, and infrastructure improvements.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HJR49 involves the balance between fiscal constraints and the flexibility needed for effective governance. Opponents argue that a rigid cap on appropriations could restrict the government’s ability to innovate and invest in the public good during times of economic downturn or unexpected challenges. The arguments underscore a larger debate on how to manage state finances effectively while still being responsive to the needs of its constituents.

Companion Bills

TX HB228

Enabled by Relating to the maximum rate of growth of appropriations.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an annual state budget and annual legislative sessions for budget purposes.

TX SJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment lowering the maximum allowable amount of money in the economic stabilization fund and dedicating certain general revenue to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.

TX SJR56

Proposing a constitutional amendment to raise the maximum allowable amount of money in the economic stabilization fund.

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 HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR185

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on sporting goods.

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.

TX HJR164

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

Similar Bills

NJ SCR23

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

NJ SCR70

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

LA HB487

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to deficit avoidance procedures (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX See Note)

LA HB546

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the budget process

LA HB435

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the budget process (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

NJ S2915

Makes FY 2022 supplemental appropriations of $71,786,000.

NJ A4403

Makes FY 2022 supplemental appropriations of $71,786,000.

LA HB530

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the budget process (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)