Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using voluntarily paid additional fees and surcharges that are dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes and to prohibit using that money for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.
Impact
If enacted, SJR60 would impact the financial management of the state by creating stricter guidelines on how voluntarily paid fees can be utilized. This amendment would restrict the Texas Legislature from reallocating funds from dedicated accounts for nondedicated purposes unless through an explicit repeal of that dedication. The bill aims to enhance fiscal responsibility and transparency in the handling of state revenues, which proponents argue will foster public trust in government funding practices.
Summary
SJR60 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at prohibiting the use of voluntarily paid additional fees and surcharges that are dedicated by law for general governmental purposes. The resolution specifically targets the practice of using dedicated funds for nondedicated purposes, ensuring that revenues received from these fees are spent only in line with their original dedicated intent. By doing so, the bill seeks to safeguard resources intended for specific state services and prevent their diversion into broader governmental appropriations.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SJR60 appears generally supportive among those advocating for fiscal accountability and dedicated fund integrity. Many legislators and interest groups believe that the amendment will protect necessary state services from budgetary risks associated with revenue diversions. However, there may be some contention as critics could argue that stringent regulations on fund usage might restrict legislative flexibility to address unforeseen fiscal demands.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise concerning the implications of the bill on future budgetary decisions by the Texas Legislature. Opponents of such stringent restrictions could express concerns about the potential limitations on the state's ability to respond to emergencies or urgent funding needs by questioning how rigid dedication of fees might impede legislative discretion. Furthermore, the timeline for the provisions to take effect (January 1, 2015, for Section 49a(c) and September 1, 2015, for Section 31) might also lead to discussions regarding the preparedness of government entities in adapting to these new constraints.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using voluntarily paid additional fees and surcharges that are dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes and to prohibit using that money for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.
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 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 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 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.
Relating to a prohibition on certain roadway projects and to the distribution of affordable housing funds to local governmental entities that violate that prohibition.
Relating to a prohibition on certain roadway projects and to the distribution of affordable housing funds to local governmental entities that violate that prohibition.
Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the taking of property by eminent domain for the purpose of transferring the property to a private entity.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit using voluntarily paid additional fees and surcharges that are dedicated by law for nondedicated general governmental purposes and to prohibit using that money for certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.