Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the purposes for which revenue from motor vehicle registration fees and taxes on motor fuels and lubricants may be used.
Impact
Should HJR114 be enacted, it would solidify the intended use of motor vehicle registration fees and fuel taxes in the Texas Constitution, making it clear that these funds are designated solely for infrastructure needs associated with road maintenance and safety. This could lead to increased accountability regarding how these funds are managed and spent by state and local governments. Over time, this may foster an environment where infrastructure funding is prioritized and potentially reduce misallocation of these specific revenues.
Summary
HJR114 proposes a constitutional amendment that seeks to restrict the uses of revenue derived from motor vehicle registration fees and taxes on motor fuels and lubricants. The amendment stipulates that all net revenues collected from these sources should only be allocated for specific purposes such as the acquisition of rights-of-way, construction and maintenance of public roadways, and administration of traffic and safety laws. It aims to ensure that these revenues are not diverted for other uses, thereby maintaining the integrity of funding related to transportation infrastructure.
Contention
While the proposal appears straightforward in its intention to protect transportation funding, there may be points of contention regarding its implications for future legislative flexibility. Critics could argue that such a constitutional amendment may limit the ability of the legislature to appropriately respond to changing fiscal demands or incorporate evolving priorities related to transportation and public safety. As these funds could potentially play roles in various initiatives, the restriction may invoke concerns among lawmakers about its long-term economic impacts and restrictions on legislative decision-making.
Similar
Proposing a constitutional amendment prescribing the purposes for which revenues from motor vehicle registration fees and taxes on motor fuels and lubricants may be used.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on sporting goods.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes of a dollar amount or a percentage, whichever is greater, of the market value of a residence homestead and providing for an adjustment of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reflect increases in the exemption amount.