Relating to limitations on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Impact
If enacted, SB361 would meaningfully alter the legislative budgeting framework in Texas. It mandates that the Legislative Budget Board evaluates and publishes the anticipated growth rates before formulating budget recommendations. This change would introduce a stricter control over state spending, potentially influencing allocations for public services and programs. Enforcement of these limits is expected to have implications for how state agencies plan their budgets and implement state-funded projects, as they would need to operate within stricter financial constraints.
Summary
Senate Bill 361 seeks to establish limitations on the rate of growth of appropriations from both state and federal revenues for the state of Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Government Code, particularly Section 316, to ensure that the sum of appropriations does not exceed the estimated growth of the state's economy. This limitation is calculated based on various economic indicators, including population growth, inflation rates, personal income growth, and the gross state product. By enforcing these limits, the bill aims to promote fiscal responsibility and ensure that budget growth aligns with economic performance.
Contention
Supporters of SB361 argue that such fiscal limitations are necessary to safeguard Texas's economic future by preventing overspending and ensuring sustainable budget practices. However, critics may contend that limiting appropriations could hinder the state's ability to adequately respond to emerging needs or emergencies, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The debate may center around finding a balance between maintaining fiscal prudence and addressing the state's diverse and evolving requirements.
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 excepting certain appropriations to pay for 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 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, and to except 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 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, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.