TX
Texas House Bill HB3639

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3639

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

Caption

Relating to the limit on the rate of growth in appropriations and to the authority of the comptroller to reduce the state sales and use tax rates for designated periods.

Note

Overall, HB3639 represents a pivotal shift in how Texas manages its fiscal policies, combining growth management with tax policy to create a cohesive framework for the state's financial future.

Impact

If passed, the bill would have significant implications for state budget planning and fiscal management. It establishes a clear protocol for determining the maximum allowable appropriations, which may prevent excessive growth in state spending. Furthermore, the measure places the responsibility on the comptroller to assess the state’s revenue and determine whether tax reductions can be implemented, potentially resulting in lower sales tax rates if economic conditions allow. This could lead to increased disposable income for consumers, while also adjusting how state revenue is generated.

Summary

House Bill 3639 aims to amend the current regulations concerning the limit on the rate of growth in state appropriations and empower the comptroller to adjust state sales and use tax rates during designated periods. The bill introduces a method to calculate the allowable growth in appropriations based on the population growth and monetary inflation in Texas over previous biennial cycles. By tying the appropriations limit to demographic factors, HB3639 seeks to ensure that state spending aligns more closely with the financial capabilities of Texas residents and the overall economic conditions.

Contention

The bill's provisions may spark debate among lawmakers. Supporters are likely to argue that allowing for sales tax rate reductions can benefit Texas citizens by relieving financial pressure. However, critics may express concerns about the potential for reduced tax revenue, which could impact funding for essential public services. Questions may arise about the stability and reliability of the state’s budget when it is contingent upon variable demographic and economic indicators, leading to calls for more predictable fiscal policies.

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 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.

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 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 HB4370

Relating to the abolishment of the State Energy Conservation Office and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller.

TX HJR14

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, to establish the property tax relief to rental households fund and authorize the legislature to provide payments to rental households from that fund based on a proportion of rent paid, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief and property tax relief payments to rental households from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

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 SJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Connectivity Fund for the development of broadband and other telecommunications services in all areas of the state and authorizing the appropriation to that fund of a portion of revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services while not increasing the rate of the sales and use taxes.

Similar Bills

TX HB1609

Relating to the limit on the rate of growth in appropriations and to the authority of the comptroller to reduce the state sales tax rate for designated periods.

TX HB2981

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 HJR70

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the maximum rate of growth of appropriations and the use of unencumbered surplus general revenues to fund the state's rainy day fund and a public school property tax relief fund.

TX HB783

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and the use of surplus state revenues.

TX SB101

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

TX SB828

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and the use of surplus state revenues.

TX HB3291

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and the use of surplus state revenues.