Relating to the allocation of certain motor vehicle sales tax revenue to the state highway fund and to the uses of that revenue.
Impact
This legislative change is significant as it explicitly states that the funds allocated to the state highway fund cannot be utilized for toll roads, meaning that the funding aims to support free public road infrastructures rather than privatized toll systems. By channeling these motor vehicle sales tax revenues into highway maintenance and development, SB341 seeks to provide a more stable and reliable source of funding for transportation projects statewide.
Summary
SB341 proposes changes to the allocation of certain motor vehicle sales tax revenue specifically directing it to the state highway fund. The bill amends Chapter 152 of the Tax Code by adding a new section that mandates all revenue derived from specified taxation to be deposited into the state highway fund. This change is intended to enhance funding for road improvements and maintenance, addressing the growing transportation needs in Texas.
Contention
While the bill appears straightforward in its intent to bolster highway funding, it may face scrutiny from various interest groups. Critics might argue that restricting funding away from toll roads could limit future transportation options, especially in urban areas where toll roads are a viable solution to traffic congestion. Therefore, the bill may spark discussions on the balance between public and private funding for infrastructure development and the long-term implications of using tax revenue exclusively for non-toll road projects.
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.
Relating to the amount of the fee imposed on certain sexually oriented businesses that is allocated to the sexual assault program fund and the allocation of certain other revenue to that fund; increasing the amount of a fee.
Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.
Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.
Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, the property tax relief fund, and the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.
Relating to the allocation and deposit of certain surplus state revenue to the property tax relief fund for use in reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.
Relating to the allocation and deposit of certain surplus state revenue to the property tax relief fund for use in reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.