Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using revenues, other money, or account or fund balances dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes or for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.
Impact
The implications of SJR23 are significant for state financial management, particularly in how dedicated funds are allocated. The proposed amendment stipulates that no dedicated revenue can be appropriated for any purpose other than that for which it was established, unless the legislature expressly repeals the dedication. This objective is likely to ensure a more transparent and accountable state budgeting process, while also potentially reducing the flexibility of lawmakers in reallocating funds to address pressing needs that may arise during budget cycles.
Summary
SJR23 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at the protection of dedicated state revenues from being used for nondedicated governmental purposes. The bill seeks to modify the Texas Constitution to explicitly prohibit the utilization of funds or account balances that have been legally dedicated for specific purposes from being diverted to other governmental uses or appropriations. This change is expected to enhance the integrity of dedicated funds and ensure that they are utilized strictly for their intended purposes, thereby maintaining fiscal discipline within the state government.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SJR23 reflects a cautious but generally supportive attitude towards fiscal responsibility. Advocates of the measure argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard dedicated funds from being used for unrelated governmental purposes, thus promoting better budgeting practices. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential rigidity that such limitations might place on state spending, especially in a dynamic fiscal environment where priorities could shift. Key discussions have revolved around finding the balance between fiscal restraint and the ability to respond to unforeseen budgetary challenges.
Contention
Critics of SJR23 express concerns about the potential overreach of the amendment in constraining legislative authority over state finances. They argue that while the intention of protecting dedicated funds is commendable, the bill could hinder the state's ability to address emergencies or urgent needs by restricting the legislative body's flexibility to redirect funds as necessary. This tension between preserving dedicated funds and allowing for the responsive use of state resources is central to the ongoing discussions about the bill's enactment.
Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the dedication by general law of money received by this state and money held in or deposited to an account or fund inside or outside the state treasury and the authorized expenditure or appropriation of money dedicated by general law.
Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.
Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.
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.
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 providing for the creation of the Texas legacy fund and the Texas legacy distribution fund, dedicating the Texas legacy distribution fund to certain state infrastructure projects or the reduction of certain long-term obligations, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.