Texas 2013 - 83rd 2nd C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB16

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

Caption

Relating to the limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations from state tax revenues.

Impact

Should SB16 be enacted, it will have significant implications on state budgetary processes, potentially constraining the ability of government entities to expand fiscal provisions in response to increasing demands for public services. The statutory limit established could affect various programs reliant on state funding, thus compelling lawmakers and budgetary officials to rigorously analyze the implications of growth rates on public funding and expenditures. It emphasizes the need for careful forecasting of economic indicators for planning future budgets.

Summary

SB16, titled 'An Act relating to the limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations from state tax revenues,' aims to establish normative limits on how much appropriations from state tax revenues, not dedicated by the constitution, can increase biennially. The bill stipulates that the growth rate of appropriations cannot exceed the least of the estimated growth rate of the state's economy, the sum of the growth rate of the state's population and monetary inflation, or the growth rate of gross state product. The intent is to ensure fiscal responsibility and to prioritize state economic stability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB16 appears to be mixed, with strong advocacy for fiscal discipline from some legislators and concerns about potential limitations on funding for crucial social services by others. Proponents argue that implementing a spending cap will instill economic prudence and safeguard against unnecessary debt accumulation. Critics express apprehension regarding the bill's potential to restrict funding flexibility, particularly in times of economic downturn, questioning whether strict limits are counterproductive to responsive governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB16 include debates on the appropriateness of limiting growth in state spending amid fluctuating economic conditions. Some lawmakers suggest that the bill could disproportionately affect low-income and vulnerable populations by restricting funds that could otherwise enhance social safety nets. Moreover, the reliance on economic forecasts to determine appropriations is contentious, as many argue that forecasts are inherently uncertain and can lead to budgetary challenges if economic conditions diverge from predictions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB561

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR164

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB5

Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB33

Relating to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes through the use of certain surplus state revenue.

Similar Bills

TX SB928

Relating to the limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB936

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB1025

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to limitations on the rate of growth of appropriations for certain categories of spending.

TX SB6

Relating to the limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations from state tax revenues.

TX SB15

Relating to the limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations from state tax revenues.

TX SB1014

Relating to the limitation on the rate of growth in appropriations from state tax revenues.