Relating to the allocation of certain sales tax revenue to the state highway fund and to the uses of that revenue.
Impact
This legislation alters the financial framework regarding how state revenue is utilized for highway infrastructure, potentially increasing the available funds for highway projects without raising taxes. By earmarking a consistent flow of sales tax revenue, the state may improve its ability to maintain and upgrade its highway system, which is vital for economic activity and transportation efficiency. However, this change does not impact existing tax rates or obligations, meaning that prior tax collections and their allocations remain unchanged.
Summary
House Bill 1836 proposes a change in the allocation of certain sales tax revenues in Texas, specifically directing a portion of this revenue to the state highway fund. Under the provisions of the bill, 10 percent of the proceeds from sales tax collection will be deposited into the state highway fund, which is meant to support infrastructure development and maintenance. Notably, the funds allocated to this highway fund cannot be utilized for toll roads or mass transit rail systems, emphasizing that the focus is solely on highway-related expenditures.
Contention
While the bill aims to bolster highway funding, there may be ongoing debates regarding its implications for funding other transportation projects, particularly mass transit initiatives. Critics may argue that the prohibition against using highway funds for mass transit rail systems potentially undermines efforts to diversify transportation methods in urban areas. Furthermore, discussions may arise around the long-term impacts of relying more heavily on sales tax for highway funding rather than considering alternative funding mechanisms.
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 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.
Relating to the amount of the fee imposed on certain sexually oriented businesses that is allocated to the sexual assault program fund and the allocation of certain other revenue to that fund; increasing the amount of a fee.
Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.
Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.
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.
Relating to the Texas Connectivity Fund and to the allocation and the use of certain proceeds from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services.
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.