Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Impact
The changes introduced by HB 531 specifically influence sections of the Government Code that govern state budgeting processes. Under this bill, if the combined rates of population growth and inflation are negative, the bill stipulates that appropriations for the next biennium must decrease compared to the current biennium. This could lead to tighter budget constraints and impact funding allocations for public services, infrastructure, and various state programs, depending on the economic context during each biennium.
Summary
House Bill 531 proposes amendments to the Texas Government Code that establish a constitutional limit on the rate of growth of state appropriations based on population growth and inflation rates. The bill aims to provide a framework for determining the maximum allowable growth of state appropriations from non-dedicated state tax revenues. This legislative measure intends to ensure that spending increases do not outpace these two economic indicators, thereby maintaining fiscal responsibility and aiming to prevent overspending during a state fiscal biennium.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HB 531 may center on the potential implications of setting strict limits on state spending relative to economic fluctuations. Advocates of the bill might argue for its necessity in constraining government growth and promoting taxpayer accountability, while opponents could express concerns that such limitations might hinder the state's ability to respond effectively during economic downturns or increasing needs for public services. The dynamic between fiscal conservatism and the need for responsive governance will likely be a significant point of contention in evaluating this bill.
Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.
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.
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.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
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.
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.
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.