Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the maximum amount of appropriations for a state fiscal biennium.
Impact
If enacted, SJR11 would have a significant impact on Texas's budgeting and appropriations process. The new rules would ensure that appropriations remain within a certain limit, thus preventing overspending and promoting a more responsible fiscal environment. The measure would also introduce new requirements for the Comptroller of Public Accounts, who would be tasked with certifying that appropriations do not exceed the newly established limits prior to sending any bills containing appropriations to the Governor for consideration.
Summary
SJR11 proposes a constitutional amendment that aims to limit the maximum amount of appropriations from the state treasury for a fiscal biennium. This amendment seeks to ensure that appropriations do not exceed a set growth rate, which would be based on factors such as population growth, inflation, and the growth of personal income in Texas. By establishing a framework for how appropriations can be calculated, the amendment intends to provide more fiscal discipline in the state's budgeting process.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SJR11 may emerge from concerns regarding the flexibility of the state's budget. While proponents argue that setting maximum appropriations would lead to better financial governance, opponents may contend that the restrictions could hinder necessary funding during economic downturns or for urgent public needs. Furthermore, the amendment's reliance on fixed growth rates could be seen as too rigid, potentially leading to inadequate funding for services as demographic and economic conditions change.
Notable_points
The implementation of SJR11 would necessitate changes to the current legislative processes, as bills that require funding would need to adhere to the new certification by the Comptroller. This could cause delays in passing vital legislation if they exceed the established appropriation limits. Legislators will need to carefully navigate these new requirements to ensure that critical state services and programs continue to receive adequate funding.
Proposing a constitutional amendment lowering the maximum allowable amount of money in the economic stabilization fund and dedicating certain general revenue to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.
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 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 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 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.