TX
Texas Senate Bill SB33

Texas 2013 - 83rd 1st C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB33

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the state highway fund.

Impact

The proposed changes would facilitate a more dedicated funding stream to the state highway fund that can be utilized primarily for the maintenance and enhancement of public roadways. This is particularly important in Texas, where transportation infrastructure is critical given the state's size and vehicle dependency. By reallocating these taxes, the bill could improve the financial landscape for highway projects and potentially enhance safety and functionality on state roads.

Summary

SB33 aims to amend various sections of the Texas Tax Code relating to the allocation of taxes to the state highway fund. One significant feature of the bill is the introduction of definitions and clarifications concerning 'automotive accessories', which include items not essential to a vehicle's function but commonly sold as add-ons. The bill seeks to adjust how taxes collected from the sales and usage of motor vehicle tires, parts, and accessories are deposited, ensuring that more funds are directed towards improving the state highway system.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB33 appears mixed, with some stakeholders supporting the bill as a necessary step to enhance funding for essential infrastructure. Advocates argue that the adjustments to tax allocations will have a positive long-term impact on the state's transportation capabilities. Conversely, some critics may be concerned about how these changes could affect overall tax burdens or the prioritization of funds, indicating a debate over budget allocations within state revenue streams.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB33 is its amendment to the existing allocation mechanisms for highway funds, which some may view as a departure from previous tax revenue policies. The potential implications of this bill could lead to discussions about the balance of funding across different areas within the transportation budget, as well as concerns regarding any potential impacts on public funding for other sectors. There may also be stakeholder pushback regarding the definitions and classifications of automotive accessories, which could complicate compliance and tax reporting processes.

Companion Bills

TX SJR5

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment prescribing the purposes for which revenue from motor vehicle registration fees, certain motor vehicle-related taxes, and certain revenues received from the federal government may be used.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5215

Relating to the use of certain money transferred to and deposited in the state highway fund as required by the Texas Constitution.

TX HB2207

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, the property tax relief fund, and the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.

TX HJR1

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.

TX SCR2

Extending the duty of the comptroller of public accounts under Section 7-c, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to deposit certain tax revenue to the state highway fund.

TX HB4885

Relating to programs established and funded under the Texas emissions reduction plan.

TX HJR27

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.

TX HB1392

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Grow Texas fund.

TX HCR47

Extending the duty of the comptroller of public accounts under Section 7-c, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to deposit certain tax revenue to the state highway fund.

TX HJR111

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, and the property tax relief fund.

TX HB38

Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.