Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the purposes for which revenues from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motor fuels and lubricants, and certain revenues received from the federal government may be used.
Impact
If passed, HJR36 would ensure that revenues generated from specific vehicle-related fees and taxes are not appropriated for purposes outside of public roadway enhancements and maintenance. This constitutional amendment could have significant implications for how Texas allocates its transportation budget, potentially leading to increased investment in infrastructure improvements. By safeguarding revenue usage for defined purposes, the legislation aims to improve accountability in transportation funding.
Summary
HJR36 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that seeks to strictly limit the purposes for which revenues from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motor fuels and lubricants, and certain federal revenue can be utilized. Specifically, these revenues would be designated solely for acquiring rights-of-way, constructing and maintaining public roadways, and related traffic and safety administration. The resolution aims to provide a more directed use of these funds to enhance the efficiency of public roadway projects.
Contention
The proposal may encounter contention regarding its restrictive approach to revenue allocation. Critics could argue that limiting the use of these funds may hinder the ability of the state to address emerging needs in other sectors such as education or public safety. Additionally, there is concern about the long-term effects of such restrictions on flexibility in financial planning, especially in times of economic fluctuations or unexpected financial shortfalls.
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 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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.