Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR33

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of the state sales and use tax on sporting goods.

Impact

If enacted, HJR33 would amend Article VIII of the Texas Constitution by adding a new section (7-d) to define how revenues from sporting goods sales taxes are managed. This change would effectively guarantee that the funds generated from these taxes are automatically appropriated to the specified agencies without the need for additional legislative action each fiscal year. This move is anticipated to create more stability in funding for parks, wildlife conservation efforts, and historical commission projects.

Summary

HJR33 proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure the automatic appropriation of net revenue collected from the state sales and use tax on sporting goods. This revenue, which is derived from taxes imposed on the sale, storage, or use of sporting goods that were taxable as of January 1, 2015, will be allocated directly to the Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission. The bill seeks to create a dedicated funding stream for these agencies to support their functions related to conservation, recreation, and historical preservation.

Contention

Although the bill presents potential benefits in terms of funding stability for conservation and historical projects, there may be points of contention regarding its implications for state budget flexibility. Some legislators may express concerns about tying specific revenues to certain agencies, potentially limiting the state's ability to allocate funds based on changing priorities or emergent needs. The absence of substantial debate or discussions around the bill's provisions in the comedic transcripts suggests it may have garnered bipartisan support, which could reflect a widespread recognition of the importance of sporting goods taxes in promoting outdoor recreation and education initiatives.

Companion Bills

TX SJR18

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of the state sales and use tax on sporting goods.

TX SJR47

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of the state sales and use tax on sporting goods.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR185

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.

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.

TX HJR169

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the dedication of certain sales and use tax revenue to a special fund established in the state treasury to pay for water infrastructure in this state.

TX HJR205

Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the imposition of school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes on residence homesteads, to increase the rates of state sales and use taxes and dedicate the revenue attributable to that increase for public education, and to establish and prescribe the permissible uses of the homeowner protection fund.

TX HJR132

Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual net worth or wealth tax.

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 HJR168

Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the rate of a state sales or use tax.

TX HJR102

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.