Texas House Bill HJR89

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using revenues, other money, or account or fund balances dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes and to limit using that money or those balances for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.

Impact

The amendment impacts the financial operations of the state by mandating that dedicated funds are exclusively used for their intended purposes unless explicitly repealed by law. This is significant as it could potentially limit the flexibility previously available to lawmakers regarding budget allocations during fiscal planning. The amendment is anticipated to enhance accountability and transparency in the management of state funds, ensuring that essential programs funded by these dedicated revenues maintain their financial support without being diverted to other areas.

Summary

HJR89 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at prohibiting the use of revenues, funds, or account balances that are dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes. This measure seeks to ensure that money allocated for specific purposes cannot be redirected to cover general purposes or other nondedicated entities, thereby reinforcing the integrity of dedicated funds. Furthermore, it establishes a protocol for the Comptroller of Public Accounts regarding how these dedicated funds are considered when certifying appropriations for the state budget. The amendment essentially aims to standardize and clarify the rules surrounding the appropriation and expenditure of state revenue.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HJR89 appears to be supportive among its proponents, who advocate for stricter controls over the allocation of state finances to prevent mismanagement and ensure that dedicated funds are not compromised. However, there may be concerns from opponents who fear that such stringent limitations could hinder responsive fiscal decision-making during budget crises or emergencies. The debate around the bill underscores the ongoing tension between fiscal discipline and operational flexibility that lawmakers must navigate.

Contention

A notable point of contention addressed by HJR89 revolves around the balance of power in budgetary decision-making processes. By enforcing stricter limitations on the allocation of dedicated funds, some critics argue that it could lead to reduced responsiveness to dynamic state needs, especially during periods of fiscal uncertainty. Additionally, concerns may emerge regarding the potential implications for future legislative actions that might seek to balance competing interests within the state budget, thus raising questions about the long-term effects of such constitutional amendments on governance and public finance.