Proposing a constitutional amendment appropriating money from the system benefit fund for the purpose of returning system benefit fund fees to retail electric customers.
Impact
The passing of SJR55 would have significant implications for state finance and consumer protection in the energy sector. By mandating the return of funds to consumers, it aims to alleviate financial burdens on households and businesses, particularly those who have been affected by fluctuating energy prices. The appropriation from the system benefit fund is not classified as state tax revenue, allowing for a careful balancing of state budgets and consumer relief without violating existing fiscal constraints outlined in the Texas Constitution.
Summary
SJR55, proposed by several Texas senators, seeks to amend the Texas Constitution to allocate funds from the system benefit fund directly back to retail electric customers. This resolution stipulates that on November 10, 2013, 90 percent of the unobligated balance of the system benefit fund will be appropriated for distribution to retail electric customers, managed by the state comptroller in accordance with general law. The intention is to return previously collected fees to consumers, promoting fairness in the utility billing process.
Contention
Debate surrounding SJR55 includes discussions on the governance of energy pricing and consumer rights versus utility provider interests. Some lawmakers praise the resolution for promoting customer equity and transparency in the energy sector, while others raise concerns about its long-term financial implications on the system benefit fund and the state budget. The necessity of clear guidelines for the Public Utility Commission of Texas on fund disbursement raises further questions regarding regulatory oversight and consumer protection mechanisms.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy insurance fund and the authorization of other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.