Relating to the maximum rate of growth of appropriations.
Impact
If passed, SB137 would significantly impact how the Legislative Budget Board calculates the permissible amounts of appropriations from the state treasury. The requirement that these amounts be based on personal income growth or demographic trends could limit the pace at which state programs and services grow financially. Consequently, some areas may see slower growth in funding, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on state appropriations, such as education and public health.
Summary
SB137 addresses the maximum rate of growth of state appropriations for fiscal bienniums in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Government Code to stipulate that appropriations cannot exceed the lesser of either the estimated growth of personal income of residents or the sum of the estimated growth of the state's population and monetary inflation. This framework aims to establish a more controlled budget process, promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring that state expenditures align with the economic conditions of Texas residents.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB137 is expected to center on the balance between fiscal restraint and the necessity of adequately funding essential state services. Proponents argue that this bill will enforce a prudent budgetary approach during times of economic uncertainty, aligning state spending with the financial capabilities of its citizens. However, opponents might contend that such limits could disadvantage local governments and services needing more robust financial support, fearing it could exacerbate existing inequalities across regions.
Notable_points
The implementation of this bill will only affect appropriations starting with the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2017, ensuring that prior fiscal cycles remain governed by existing laws. Additionally, the bill sets a procedural mechanism, including public hearings and required publication of budgetary calculations, intended to maintain transparency and facilitate public engagement in the legislative budgeting process.
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 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.
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 authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; 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 except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the governing body of certain appraisal entities.