Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the diversion of and concerning the use of statutorily dedicated revenues.
Impact
If passed, SJR24 would significantly impact the management of state resources and finances. By solidifying the structure around dedicated revenues, the bill seeks to prevent reallocations that could undermine the intended purposes of these funds. The amendment would clarify that only revenues dedicated by statute could be appropriated from the newly created statutorily dedicated revenue fund. Moreover, it sets a legislative procedure for altering or repealing these dedications, requiring a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature.
Summary
SJR24 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the diversion and to dictate the use of statutorily dedicated revenues in Texas. The proposed amendment aims to establish a dedicated fund within the state treasury, ensuring that revenues earmarked for specific purposes cannot be redirected for use in other areas without explicit legislative approval. This amendment intends to foster accountability in the management of state finances and uphold the legislative intent behind dedicated revenue streams.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around SJR24 appears supportive among proponents who argue that it enhances transparency and fiscal responsibility. They contend that the amendment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of funds intended for specific governmental functions, such as education and infrastructure. However, there are concerns among some legislators about the potential for increased bureaucracy and restrictions that could limit the state's financial flexibility in response to unforeseen circumstances.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the balance between dedicated funding and the need for flexibility in state budgeting. Critics argue that while dedicated funds serve important functions, they may also restrict the government’s ability to reallocate resources during financial shortfalls. The amendment, while protecting specific funding streams, may complicate the state’s ability to respond effectively to emergency needs or funding crises. Thus, the discussion around SJR24 revolves around finding the right equilibrium between accountability and financial agility.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the dedication of certain sales and use tax revenue to a special fund established in the state treasury to pay for water infrastructure in this state.
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.
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 to prohibit the imposition of school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes on residence homesteads, to increase the rates of state sales and use taxes and dedicate the revenue attributable to that increase for public education, and to establish and prescribe the permissible uses of the homeowner protection 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.
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 utilities reliability fund and the utilities reliability revenue fund to provide financial support for projects that enhance the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state.
Authorizes and directs the executive branch agencies that submit statutorily required reports to the House Committee on Health and Welfare to continue to submit such reports as required by law
Authorizes and directs the executive branch agencies that submit statutorily required reports to the House Committee on Appropriations to continue to submit such reports as required by law
Recognizing The Importance Of Compassionate Release And Making A Commitment To Consider Modifications To Delaware's Early Release Framework For Incarcerated People.